Website Launched To Promote Drinking Age Issue

24 May, 2005
Media Advisory

Website launched to promote drinking age issue

The New Zealand Drug Foundation today launched an online resource to promote the return of the drinking age to 20 years.

The website - www.20years.co.nz - contains concise and easy-to-read information about the debate over whether the minimum age to purchase alcohol should be 18 or 20 years-old.

The Drug Foundation launched the site because of the clear public interest in the drinking age issue - with surveys consistently indicating that more than 70 percent of New Zealanders think it should be returned to 20 - yet there was a need for easily accessible information for the public and the media.

The key feature of the website is the roll call of MPs' voting intentions for Progressive member Matt Robson's bill, which seeks a return of the alcohol purchase age to 20 and controls over alcohol advertising.

The site also features research and other resources relating to the drinking age and alcohol advertising.

"The New Zealand public can now see whether their local MP is voting in the interests of public health," said Drug Foundation executive director Ross Bell.

"We know that this is a very important issue for many New Zealanders and we are pleased to provide this simple but effective resource," he said.

"With Mr Robson's bill set to be debated on June 8 we anticipate keen interest from the public and the media in the evidence of how to deal with the problems of New Zealand's drinking culture."

www.20years.co.nz

is now online

ENDS

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