Warning after free alcohol equipped to college students in trade for promoting

Alcohol corporations have been warned by police after illegally supplying Dunedin college students with free drink in trade for promoting.

Regardless of having banned alcohol promoting from its campuses in 2009, the College of Otago needed to take care of a number of alcohol producers partaking within the observe final yr.

The producers additionally supplied cash to pay for DJs and sound tools.

Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, mentioned police grew to become conscious of the observe by patrolling occasions.

He mentioned producers delivered alcohol in “slabs”, or bulk 24-pack items.

“This observe goes towards the Sale and Provide of Alcohol Act of 2012,” Snr Sgt Bond mentioned.

Particularly, it violated part 237 of the Act, which handled the “irresponsible promotion of alcohol”.

“Our primary concern was selling extreme alcohol consumption amongst younger and weak college students.”

Alcohol producers had been warned and police can be on the watch once more this yr.

The college’s proctor workplace labored carefully with police and Protected and Nicely Otepoti to fight the trade of booze for commercials.

Proctor David Scott mentioned it occurred all year long, however largely throughout Orientation and Reorientation Weeks.

“Alcohol producers have agreed to not repeat their behaviour.

“No college students have been disciplined,” Scott mentioned.

College of Otago (Christchurch) psychiatry and habit medication Professor Douglas Sellman mentioned the observe of swapping alcohol for commercials was as unethical because it was harmful.

“Alcohol isn’t a impartial product.

“It’s neurotoxic, aggressigenic and carcinogenic,” Sellman mentioned.

Alcohol wanted to be regulated to restrict the injury it inflicted on communities, not given away to college students, he mentioned.

The college’s ban on alcohol promoting was an excellent however largely symbolic gesture.

As a substitute, the college wanted to do extra and maintain and subsidise fascinating and enjoyable non-drinking occasions with meals, music and different leisure.

“This manner the college would exhibit how O Week may very well be a protected, as an alternative of the chaos of an alcohol-fuelled Disorientation Week that it’s for a lot of.”