Youth Council news release
7 March 2013
Is youth drinking really the problem? Young people to have their say

So we are told, over and over again: underage drinking, binge drinking, they say we are the problem. But what is the reality?

"Passing the buck," says Youth Council Chair Jack Marshall. "Alcohol causes huge problems in society and young people are unfairly branded as culprits. These problems are bigger than us."

Merinda Jackson, spokesperson for Link, the Boys’ and Girls’ Institute’s leadership group, agrees. "Everyone is affected by alcohol, so everyone should have their say."

Young people will get their chance to have a say on the role of alcohol in Wellington at a big youth workshop to be held later this month at Te Papa. The Wellington Youth Council and Link have teamed up to facilitate the workshop and are inviting young people living in Wellington to come along.

"This is an opportunity for us to feed into Wellington City Council's alcohol strategy, to have a collective voice and opinions that will be heard and valued in local decision-making," says Merinda.

The workshop is for youth, by youth, and aims to develop an accurate youth perspective on good drinking and bad drinking in Wellington, so that young people can have their SAY.

SAY - Society, Alcohol and Young people.
When: Saturday 23 March
Time: 1.30 - 4.30pm
Where: Icon Room, Te Papa

The Council is in the process of asking all Wellingtonians for their views on the role of alcohol in Wellington before drafting a local alcohol policy and an alcohol management strategy, which will take a wider view on managing alcohol-related behaviour and things like their sponsorship of Wellington events such as ‘Jim Beam Homegrown’.

Jack appeals to young people to join the debate and share their ideas. "The ball is in our court. We can identify what is important and why, what this strategy should cover and offer Wellingtonians the chance to make sure the city is safe and enjoyable for everyone."

The workshop is for people aged under 25 and you must register to take part. Space is limited to 100 people, so get in quick!

Go to the Wellington Youth Council’s Facebook page for more information. Register your place online at: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1177415/alcohol-youth-workshop.

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