Media release
15 December 2005

Trusts support teen alcohol campaign

A sobering slogan - “Think before you buy under 18s drink” – is emblazoned on carrier bags at Waitakere City’s Trusts wholesale outlets, as part of a city wide campaign prompting parents and older adults to consider the consequences of supplying alcohol to teens

Portage and Waitakere licensing trusts chief executive Murray Spearman says the Trusts “totally support” the campaign.

“We have ordered 450,000 plastic bags with the campaign message printed on them,” he says.

A series of graphic posters and radio ads aims to make parents of teens think about the possible consequences of supplying their children with alcohol for occasions they will not be directly supervising. Other printed material will be put in bottle stores.

“The responsible use of alcohol is not a problem” says campaign organiser Roy Hunt, “the concerning thing is that 23% of youth have reported being exposed to “risky” situations the last time they drank, and there are grave consequences associated with improper use including higher risks of violent situations, disorderly behaviour, and sexual assault.”

The campaign will run through the Christmas period and early into the New Year.

ENDS