Drinking Age Proposals
August 23, 2010
Today the Government unveiled its cohesive and comprehensive alcohol law reform package. The package responds to the Law Commission’s review of alcohol laws contained in the report: Alcohol in Our Lives: Curbing the Harm.
One aspect of the package is the Drinking Age proposals. Craig Foss MP for Tukituki and Chris Tremain MP for Napier stated “The last time the purchasing age question came before Parliament we voted to increase the age from 18 to 20. That proposal was defeated. We would have voted for a split purchasing age of 18 on-premise, 20 off-premise if that option was presented. Our preference is to continue to vote for an increase but we will monitor the select committee reports and feedback from constituents before we vote on any new proposal.”
Craig Foss and Chris Tremain stated “Statistics can’t be ignored and these stats clearly outline that we have a drinking culture in New Zealand that we are less than proud of. It is time to make changes.”
Alcohol is estimated to contribute to 1,000 deaths a year, and is a major driver of crime, being implicated in 30 per cent of all police recorded offences, 34 per cent of recorded family violence, and 50 per cent of all homicides.
“These figures are a disgrace” said Chris Tremain. “We as a Government are responding to the public’s call for action.”
“The package put forward focuses on minimising alcohol-related harm, including crime, disorder, and public health problems, and zeros in on where harm is occurring – particularly around youth,” added Craig Foss.
This package adopts in full, or in part, 126 of the 153 Law Commission recommendations, as well as making other changes.
