Media Release - for immediate release

1 August 1999

MPs URGED TO CHANGE POSITION FOR SAKE OF TEENS

New Zealand First MP Ron Mark has written to all MPs who voted for lowering the drinking age, urging them to change their position.

He has also written to abstaining MPs asking them to cast their vote against lowering the drinking age, and offering to carry their proxy should they be unable to attend the vote in the House.

"The country has been stunned by the result. MPs need to listen to what the majority of the people of our country are saying and vote against this portion of the Sale of Liquor Amendment Bill.

"The social and economic consequences to this country will be severe should this bill become law", said Mr Mark.

"It is not too late for MPs to change their position, for the sake of our teenagers, and nobody would think any less of them.

"We need to get our young people into jobs or educational institutions - not bars and bottle stores", said Mr Mark.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

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