It’s our turn to shout 28 January 2011

Taranaki residents concerned about the growing number of liquor outlets in their neighbourhoods and frustrated at their inability to have a say can take heart. A forum led by high profile law reform advocates will be held in New Plymouth on 4 February to help locals have their voices heard by Government.

Former Member of Parliament Sue Bradford and Drug Foundation Director Ross Bell will be leading the forum which will cover how to make powerful submissions to the Justice and Electoral Select Committee on the Government’s Alcohol Reform Bill.

New Plymouth District Counsellor Shaun Biesiek says people are continually talking to him about their concerns at the growing number of off-licenses selling cheap booze in the area, and the rising levels of drunkenness, violence, vandalism and litter that result.

“Recent cases of new liquor licenses being granted against the wishes of residents has really focused people’s energy on the problems that cheap and easily available alcohol are causing across our communities.

“There’s a real public mood to do something positive, but many feel their hands are tied and they’re powerless to make a difference.

“They want to have a say in whether new liquor licenses are granted locally and they want the government to take the lead in changing our culture by making alcohol less cheap and easy to buy.

“We're excited at the hands-on training this forum will give. We hope it will result in a high number of Taranaki submissions so the Select Committee will come to New Plymouth when they start to hear oral submissions.”

Drug Foundation Director Ross Bell says Taranaki residents are not alone in learning they’re powerless to stop the flow of liquor outlets in their neighbourhoods.

“Many communities across New Zealand are fed up with liquor stores popping up on every corner, and they’re now asking the Government for the right to have a say about what happens in their streets.

“The best way people can speak up is to make submissions on the Government’s Alcohol Reform Bill. Our forum will help people understand how they can do that.”

The forum will cover easy and effective ways to write submissions, but Sue Bradford will also use her political experience to lead a practical session on oral submissions, which, she says, can be the most persuasive.

“Most politicians do care what people think and feel. People shouldn't underestimate how effective it can be when they speak from the heart about the pain alcohol abuse is causing their communities,” she said.

The forum is free and will be held at the Waterfront Hotel on Egmont Street on Friday 4 February from 10.15am until 3.00pm. Lunch and morning/afternoon tea will be provided. Residents wishing to attend should register for catering purposes at www.drugfoundation.org.nz/our-turn-to-shout/workshop-registration.

The forums are part of the It’s our turn to shout campaign led by the Alcohol Healthwatch and the Drug Foundation. See www.ourturn2shout.org.nz.

ENDS

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