UPDATED 6.02pm: It's claimed the alcohol and advertising industries have more influence over the Government than people do.

A Ministerial Forum is recommending a ban on alcohol sponsorship.

But Alcohol Watch NZ says the Government is dragging its feet, waiting to release the Forum's recommendations until just before Christmas, and calling for more consultation.

Medical director Doug Sellman says it makes no difference that the public is behind alcohol reforms that will curb New Zealand's drinking culture.

"There's a very powerful lobby, the alcohol industry and the advertising industry, who are constantly in the ears of our politicians."

 

However, the Government is being accused of ambivalence over alcohol reforms.

Ministers Amy Adams and Peter Dunne yesterday released the recommendations of a Ministerial Forum on alcohol advertising and sponsorship.

They say consultation is needed before any action is taken.

But Professor Doug Sellman, of Alcohol Action NZ, says consultation with all of the stakeholders has been going on for at least four years.

"So for the government to say, 'oh, there are complex issues here and we really should do some more consultation and it's going to take another six months' - this is just delay tactics."