Opposition To Alcohol Reform Bill

ACT MPs Heather Roy, Hilary Calvert and Sir Roger Douglas will today vote against the Government’s Alcohol Reform Bill saying that it will fail to solve the problem of alcohol abuse and erodes New Zealanders’ right to make their own decisions.

“Laws can try to modify behaviour but, ultimately, it is social attitudes that matter. The proposed age controls are a red herring, which is why we will be voting to retain the 18-year old age limit,” the ACT MP’s said.

“Rather than address the causes of the problem, this Bill is addressing the symptoms. Worse still, those supporting it are taking away everyone’s right to make their own choices in order to prevent a small group of individuals from self-harm by alcohol.

“If we do this for every problem in society, we will soon live in a society that is no longer free.

“A free society is one in which we are free to make our own choices without someone else making those decisions for us. It should be our choice whether we want to drink alcohol, enjoy a cigarette in the car on the way home from work, or gamble at the Melbourne Cup.

“We are all personally responsible for ensuring that we carry out our chosen activities in a manner that does not harm ourselves, or others.

“The majority of New Zealanders do this, but this Bill being introduced to the House today punishes the majority for the actions of a minority,” the ACT MPs said.

ACT Leader Rodney Hide and Deputy John Boscawen said that they also have grave concerns about the Bill, but will support it to Select Committee so that the issues can be further debated.

ENDS

© Scoop Media