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WELLINGTON. — A New Zealand government review yesterday recommended French-style measures banning alcohol sponsorship of sport in a bid to curb the South Pacific nation’s binge drinking culture. The ministerial review, headed by former national rugby league coach Graham Lowe, said it was concerned that alcohol firms used sports sponsorship to reach young people from an early age and shape their drinking habits.

“In New Zealand there is a strong cultural connection between alcohol and sport which needs to be addressed,” the Ministerial Forum on Alcohol Advertising and Sponsorship found after a two-year review. — AFP.