Dunedin authorities issue alcohol license for suicide prevention event that sparked Mike King’s comments on alcohol

Mental health advocate Mike King has been criticized for saying alcohol can be a “solution” to some people’s problems.
Photo: Matthieu Joannon on unsplash.com

The Dunedin District Licensing Board has issued a special license to sell alcohol at Saturday’s fashion show, which is raising money for a suicide prevention charity.

Police and city licensing inspector opposed alcohol license application, leading to complaint from mental health ombudsman Mike King publicly comments that alcohol may be the “solution” to some people’s problemseven going so far as to suggest that it did more good than harm.

These comments were criticized by both mental health professionals and politicians, including the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon defending government funding of King’s Gumboot Friday consulting program.

The issue of the special permit came up on Friday morning during a short licensing committee hearing in Dunedin.

Committee chairman Colin Weatherall said despite opposition to the licence, all parties recognized the quality of the organization and the aims of the event.

“While the link between alcohol and mental health issues is well-established, this event – ​​like many others held in Dunedin and around New Zealand – is also an important part of raising funds for suicide prevention and other worthy charitable causes,” Mr Weatherall said.

“With this in mind, the committee has decided to grant a special license for tomorrow’s event.”

There will be a fundraiser for the Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust tomorrow evening (Saturday, November 2, 2024) at the Wall Street Mall.

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