Reducing harm caused by alcohol
Recently in Kapiti local residents were terrorised by 100 drunken teenagers who trashed a house and caused a mini riot along the street. Cars were vandalised, police attacked and a two kilometre path of petty destruction left in their wake.
This is another example of the harm caused by binge drinking, which sadly has become part of our culture. Local police tell me they deal with problems caused by binge drinking every weekend.
Things need to change, which is why we are introducing a major package of reform to tackle the harm caused by alcohol.
I reckon these reforms strike the right balance between reducing harm and trusting responsible New Zealanders to make their own decisions about their drinking.
It’s important to realise that legislation alone won’t turn around binge drinking, but it will help support a culture change
Alcohol is estimated to contribute to 1000 deaths a year. During the weekend, about 7 out of 10 people who go to the emergency department are there because of alcohol.
Alcohol is also a driver of crime. It plays a part in 30 per cent of all offences, 34 per cent of family violence, and one in every two homicides.
I have given the purchase age for alcohol a lot of thought and after reading the Law Commission report and listening to the views of the public I’ve decided to support a split age for purchasing alcohol.
This means that the age limit of 18 will still remain for bars and restaurants, but it will be 20 for takeaway alcohol from bottle stores and supermarkets.
There will be restrictions on the size and strength of pre-mixed RTDs, and it will be an offence to supply liquor to under-18s without the permission of their parents.
Local communities will have more power over the location and opening hours of liquor outlets, and there will be set closing times for bars and off-licenses.
There will also be improved public education and treatment services for people with dependency issues.
Legislation will go to Parliament in October and we will listen carefully to the public through the select committee process.
Please contact either of my electorate offices if you want more information on making a submission - [email protected] or [email protected]