Press Release Stephen Berry Liquor Sales

It's The Culture, Not The Booze

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis believes a limit of the number of alcohol outlets will reduce the "Once Were Warriors" culture in his city. Auckland Mayoral candidate Stephen Berry today attacked this position, labelling it "tinpot moral fascism."

A virtual teetotaller, Berry says, "I am in no doubt that alcohol is a gutter drug. My regular attendance of dance parties and the like exposes me to the filthy underside of alcohol use. Vomiting, stupidity and violence can commonly be attributed to the use of alcohol."

"However alcohol is not the problem here. It is merely the trigger. The problem is a culture where violence and being tough is valued over morals and reason. When intoxicated by alcohol, those with degenerate ethics are more likely to be exposed."

"The problem of individuals who value force over reason is not going to be solved by government. Government's usual response to a problem is to use force. In this case, Barry Curtis wishes to use the iron fist of the state to keep a coercive cap on the number of liquor outlets. This violates the rights of responsible consumers and businessmen without solving the problem."

Berry argues a general cultural change needs to occur to stop alcohol triggering violence and murders. "It is up to individuals themselves."

"I would even go so far as to suggest that the legalisation of other substances, such as cannabis and MDMA, will give many an alternative drug of choice that isn't prone to triggering violence. Even methamphetamine takes weeks of abuse to achieve what alcohol does in only a few hours."

Stephen Berry is standing as an Independent candidate in the 2007 Auckland Mayoral elections. He advocates the radical reduction of government rates, spending and powers.

ENDS

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