TOP THREE STORIES
MPs have walked a middle road in liberalising alcohol sales this evening.
First up there was little debate about changing the status quo to allow more store types (such as dairies and video
shops) to apply for off-licence permits and there was no change in that area. MPs also decided that supermarkets need
not to have separate check outs and dedicated areas for alcohol.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9907/S00134.htm
Keith Rankin's Thursday Colum: Massey University History Professor David Thomson, in his Winter Lecture (University of
Auckland, 27 July), described a little-appreciated reality; that people over 45 in New Zealand and other developed
countries are less likely to be doing paid work than ever before, despite becoming relatively more numerous. As the age
of eligibility for a public pension rises, the average age of retirement continues to fall. People aged 45-64 can no
longer be regarded as the financial bedrock of our society.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9907/S00136.htm
MPs have voted to introduce a new minimum drinking age of 18 by the narrowest of margins. The debate on 'Issue One' in
the Sale of Liquor Amendment (no2) act, was taken second so that members would be aware of the ID requirements the
legislation would be working under. (See earlier coverage). There were impassioned debates on the options before them.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9907/S00129.htm
TOP THREE PRESS RELEASES
MPs have voted to introduce a new minimum drinking age of 18 by the narrowest of margins. The debate on 'Issue One' in
the Sale of Liquor Amendment (no2) act, was taken second so that members would be aware of the ID requirements the
legislation would be working under. (See earlier coverage). There were impassioned debates on the options before them.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO9907/S00075.htm
"New Zealand Young Nationals congratulate Prime Minister Jenny Shipley for her bold leadership in supporting the
standardisation of the drinking age to 18," said Youth Vice President and New Zealand Young Nationals Chair Daniel
Gordon. "It is interesting, and noteworthy, that National Party leader Jenny Shipley has faith and is in touch with
today's youth whereas the Labour Party leader Helen Clark and her (waiting) successor Phil Goff voted against lowering
the Drinking age to 18."
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO9907/S00077.htm
New Zealand First MP Ron Mark has slammed other Christchurch MPs for voting to lower the drinking age from twenty to
eighteen last night, but warns that the fight is not over. "I have grave concerns about the effects this legislation
will have on Christchurch young people. Their families, the community and the police will end up picking up the pieces
of this ill-conceived legislation," said Mr Mark.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9907/S00569.htm