Hon Jim Anderton

Progressive Leader
Member of Parliament for Wigram

08 November 2006 Media Statement

Anderton urges Parliamentarians not to be fooled by review

“The proposed review to look at the supply and sale of liquor to under 18 year olds is one review we do not need,” Jim Anderton Progressive Leader said today.

“The jury is already in on whether lowering the drinking age has been a successful measure in improving New Zealander’s binge drinking culture. It has been a miserable failure and is costing lives.

"This is the review you have when you want to give Parliamentarians a soft option. We do not have that luxury.

“The announcement of an “intended government review” has not been made with any consultation with the Progressive Party.

“The issue of alcohol access by under 18 year olds and alcohol related harm has already been reviewed. It has been before a select committee for eleven months. The committee has had Ministry of Justice reports and Health reports on the impact of lowering the drinking age. It received 180 submissions from medical researchers, non-governmental organisations, Police, ALAC and many others.

“Raising the purchasing age to 20 years is not enough by itself to change our excessive drinking culture but as part of a comprehensive package it could be an important and integral step," Jim Anderton said today.

ENDS

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