Better Control of Alcohol Outlets Needed in South Auckland

New Zealand First has called for better control of alcohol outlets in South Auckland to help reduce binge drinking and alcohol related crime.

NZ First spokesperson for Pacific Island Affairs, Asenati Lole-Taylor, says easy access to alcohol outlets in the area contributes towards the growing number of Pacific Island youth suffering from problem drinking.

Her comments follow the alcohol advisory council’s (ALAC) findings on services increasingly having to cater for Pacific Island and Asian migrants who had developed drinking problems as a result of assimilating into the New Zealand culture.

“For the Pacific people, who have come from the Islands where alcohol has not been an issue, seeing their youth going down the binge drinking path is really shocking, says Mrs Lole-Taylor.

“It doesn’t help that at nearly every corner in South Auckland there is an outlet for alcohol which just provides easy access for the community.”

“A lack of enforcement could be another contributing factor to the problem, which is why recruitment for more police is also crucial,” Ms Lole-Taylor says.

According to the Liquor Licensing Authority there are 715 licensed premises under the new Auckland City Council south area which covers part of the old Auckland City Council, Manukau City Council, Papakura City Council, and the Franklin District Council areas.

ENDS

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