TOP THREE STORIES

ONE: The House: Alcohol Debate Wraps Up

MPs have walked a middle road in liberalising alcohol sales this evening.
First up there was little debate about changing the status quo to allow more store types (such as dairies and video shops) to apply for off-licence permits and there was no change in that area. MPs also decided that supermarkets need not to have separate check outs and dedicated areas for alcohol.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9907/S00134.htm

TWO: Column - New Zealand's Ageing Non-Workforce

Keith Rankin's Thursday Colum: Massey University History Professor David Thomson, in his Winter Lecture (University of Auckland, 27 July), described a little-appreciated reality; that people over 45 in New Zealand and other developed countries are less likely to be doing paid work than ever before, despite becoming relatively more numerous. As the age of eligibility for a public pension rises, the average age of retirement continues to fall. People aged 45-64 can no longer be regarded as the financial bedrock of our society.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9907/S00136.htm

THREE: The House: New Drinking Age Set

MPs have voted to introduce a new minimum drinking age of 18 by the narrowest of margins. The debate on 'Issue One' in the Sale of Liquor Amendment (no2) act, was taken second so that members would be aware of the ID requirements the legislation would be working under. (See earlier coverage). There were impassioned debates on the options before them.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9907/S00129.htm

TOP THREE PRESS RELEASES

ONE: Bossy PM Lectures Parents

MPs have voted to introduce a new minimum drinking age of 18 by the narrowest of margins. The debate on 'Issue One' in the Sale of Liquor Amendment (no2) act, was taken second so that members would be aware of the ID requirements the legislation would be working under. (See earlier coverage). There were impassioned debates on the options before them.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO9907/S00075.htm

TWO: Shipley in touch - Clark losing The Youth Vote

"New Zealand Young Nationals congratulate Prime Minister Jenny Shipley for her bold leadership in supporting the standardisation of the drinking age to 18," said Youth Vice President and New Zealand Young Nationals Chair Daniel Gordon. "It is interesting, and noteworthy, that National Party leader Jenny Shipley has faith and is in touch with today's youth whereas the Labour Party leader Helen Clark and her (waiting) successor Phil Goff voted against lowering the Drinking age to 18."

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO9907/S00077.htm

THREE: Fight Not Over On Lowering Drinking Age

New Zealand First MP Ron Mark has slammed other Christchurch MPs for voting to lower the drinking age from twenty to eighteen last night, but warns that the fight is not over. "I have grave concerns about the effects this legislation will have on Christchurch young people. Their families, the community and the police will end up picking up the pieces of this ill-conceived legislation," said Mr Mark.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9907/S00569.htm

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

CONTACT ALASTAIR THOMPSON

• Mobile - 021707044
• Twitter - @althecat
• Google+

• Linkedin
• Facebook
• Email - alastair@scoop.co.nz