MPs urged not to change alcohol purchase age

Keep It 18 urges MPs not to change alcohol purchase age

Proposals to introduce a split purchase age for alcohol discriminate unfairly against young people, says Keep It 18 spokesperson Jenna Raeburn.

The Government has proposed a split purchase age, which would allow 18 and 19 year olds to enter bars and licensed premises, but not to purchase alcohol from off-licensed retailers such as supermarkets and liquor stores.

“The fact that a general increase in the purchase age has not been proposed recognises that banning 18 year olds from bars and pubs is unjustifiable,” said Ms Raeburn. “An 18 year old should be able to have a drink with colleagues after work, or have a glass of wine with dinner, just like any other adult.

“While a split purchase age is better than a general increase, it still unfairly discriminates against young people. At 18 we consider an individual to be an adult in every other way. It doesn’t make sense to say that an 18 year old is responsible enough to vote, join the Police or the armed forces, get married, take on debt, and be the caregiver of a young child, but not responsible enough to buy a bottle of wine from the supermarket.

“Any changes to the purchase age simply scapegoat young people. We should focus on the other proposed measures which treat alcohol abuse as a widespread cultural issue which requires a broader solution. Blaming particular groups of people is unproductive and unfair. The majority of 18 and 19 year olds drink alcohol in a responsible way and they should not be punished for the actions of a few young people.”

Young Labour spokesperson Nicola Wood said that while a split age is aimed at only allowing young people to drink in a “safe” environment, it does not achieve this. “Really it sends the message that all drinking is safe if it is at a bar or a pub. Instead of doing anything to change the way that people drink, it merely entrenches harmful habits on licensed premises.”

“A split age will be an ineffective half measure,” said Young Nats President Daniel Fielding. “The distinction between bars and supermarkets is completely arbitrary. If 18 year olds can legally drink in a bar it will be impossible to convince anyone that there is a principled reason that they cannot drink alcohol at home. Arbitrary distinctions like this discourage respect for the limits that are set by the law, and make it more likely that other limits (such as the restriction on supplying to 16 and 17 year olds) are ignored as well.”

Keep It 18 is a group of representatives from Young Labour, the Young Nats, Young Greens and ACT on Campus. Members of the group support a range of other options which can deal with alcohol-related harm in a more constructive way. Spokesperson for the Young Greens, Zachary Dorner said "The Government has ignored the main recommendations of the Law Commission report. These are raising prices and phasing out liquor advertising. Only then will we see a reduction in the abuse."

ENDS