Keep-it-18! Campaign Happy With Result

The Keep-it-18! campaign is delighted that MPs voted out the Sale of Liquor (Youth Alcohol Harm Reduction) Bill at its second reading yesterday evening.

"We were happy that MPs from across the political spectrum voted overwhelmingly against raising the drinking age," said Christopher Bishop, spokesperson for the Keep-it-18 campaign.

"Simply raising the drinking age to twenty was never going to work as a way to reduce youth drinking."

"We look forward to the Government's review of alcohol supply to minors and a first principles review of the Sale of Liquor Act which we believe will allow a proper examination of how to reduce the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption."

"Keep-it-18! has always said problem drinking is a wider societal problem. We believe that New Zealand's binge drinking culture can be better dealt with by education campaigns, effective enforcement and attitudinal change."

"Finally, I would like to thank all of my colleagues in the Keep it 18! campaign who have done such a great job since the group was formed. Young people can make a difference!"

* Keep-it-18! is a group of organisations from across the political and social spectrum committed to finding workable solutions to New Zealand's drinking problem.

ENDS

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