Tougher Enforcement Laws For Serving Underage Drinkers

Dr Wayne Mapp, MP North Shore, is pleased that his move to impose tougher penalties for underage drinking has been accepted by Parliament today.

In an amendment to the Sale of Liquor legislation, Dr Mapp sought additional enforcement powers for the courts and the Liquor Licensing Authority. Courts will be given power to suspend a licence, and police will be required to advise the LLA of convictions for sale or supply of alcohol to underage drinkers. The LLA will be required to consider suspension or cancellation of the licence.

“This strengthening of the enforcement powers of courts and the LLA is necessary if the House is to consider any further liberalisation of the sale of liquor legislation. Parliament has also introduced more stringent rules regarding ID cards. This, coupled with the tougher penalties, will mean the risk of underage drinking will be minimal,” says Dr Mapp.

“If licence holders have strong penalties hanging over their heads, underage drinking will become too great a commercial risk to tolerate,” concludes Dr Mapp.

ENDS

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