12 August 2005

Submissions on Progressive's alcohol harm reduction Bill close today

People wanting to have a say on the Progressive Party's proposals to raise the alcohol purchasing age, and better regulate TV liquor advertizing, have until the end of today to get their submissions in to Parliament's Law and Order Select Committee, says Progressive MP Matt Robson.

"I have attended literally scores of public meetings from the Far North to Southland since the start of May outlining why Progressive wants this Bill enacted into law urgently in the next Helen Clark-led coalition government.

"I can say without any doubt that a very big majority of people I have met want and expect Parliament to deliver strong, meaningful policies to help us turn the tide against the harm being caused by our country's biggest single drug-of-abuse problem."

"In every age group and in every region, the overwhelming message to Parliament is that much stronger leadership is required to improve our nation's drinking culture and in particular to turn the tide against the harm being caused by the misuse of alcohol by minors," Matt Robson said.

Matt Robson's Bill proposes stronger rules on alcohol broadcast advertising and against supplying alcohol to minors. It also proposes to raise the minimum legal alcohol purchasing age, that is the age at which you can walk into a licensed outlet and buy alcohol, to twenty.

"The opinion of many public health professionals, and the opinion of many frontline police and welfare workers, is that the proposals in the Progressive Bill represent the public health interest. But it is mums and dads and grandparents that Parliament is accountable to which is why I urge anyone with an interest in public health and safety issues to take the time to make a submission to Parliament, stamp-free, to make sure the politicians in Wellington hear your message loud and clear," Matt Robson said.

ENDS

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