Plans to reduce alcohol-related harm

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, MP for Maungakiekie welcomes National’s plans to address alcohol-related harm through a comprehensive alcohol law reform package.

“This package responds to the Law Commission’s ground-up review of New Zealand’s alcohol laws and adopts in full, or in part, 126 of the Commission’s 153 recommendations, as well as making other changes,” Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga MP says.

“Alcohol is estimated to contribute to 1000 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.

“The statistics can’t be ignored and clearly show a problem with alcohol that must be addressed.”

“What we’ve heard from the public is that the pendulum has swung too far towards the relaxation of alcohol laws.

“The public want the Government to address the imbalance that has crept in. They want more say about alcohol availability in their communities. The Government’s alcohol law reform package responds to the public’s call for action.

“Our package focuses on minimising alcohol related-harm, including crime, disorder, and public health problems, and zeros in on where harm is occurring – particularly around youth.

"The Government is proposing a split purchase age -18 to drink in bars but 20 to purchase alcohol from an off-licence premise. This issue will be decided by a conscience vote. I encourage all Maungakiekie residents to let me know which way you want me to vote!"

“This package is a starting point for Parliament’s consideration of our alcohol laws and we will listen carefully to the public through the select committee process. Information about making a submission can be found at www.parliament.nz

"I will also discuss these recommendations along with the purchase age with the Glenn Innes Drug and Alcohol Group, The Panmure Action Group and The Onehunga Enhancement Society. I have also surveyed my entire electorate and I look forward to seeing the results.

“We hope to introduce legislation to Parliament in October and plan to pass legislation into law before the end of this parliamentary term.”

Further information can be found on the Ministry of Justice website at www.justice.govt.nz and on the Beehive website at www.beehive.govt.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media