Whangaparoa community meet to discuss NZ's binges

Whangaparoa community meet to discuss New Zealand’s binge drinking culture

A public meeting is to be held tonight at the Whangaparoa College Auditorium to discuss how and why New Zealand’s binge drinking culture needs to change.

A resolution will be put to the meeting calling upon the Government to adopt stronger legislative changes around alcohol and adopt the full package of recommendations put forward by the Law Commission in its report entitled Alcohol in our Lives: Curbing the Harm.

Guest speakers at the meeting include Alcohol Healthwatch director Rebecca Williams, a local doctor, school principal and other community leaders.

Graham Lamont who has coordinated the meeting says New Zealand has a major problem with alcohol and our Government has a key role to play in tackling this problem.

“The evidence is very clear that if we are to address this heavy-drinking culture we need to see effective legislation put in place.

“It is a concern to us that the Government has chosen not to put forward measures around the marketing and pricing of alcohol even though the evidence shows these will be some of the most effective changes.”

Mr Lamont says it is important that communities can hear about and discuss the issues around alcohol and the steps that need to be taken to reduce the harm alcohol can cause.

The meeting at Whangaparoa College Auditorium will begin at 7:30pm tonight, all are welcome to attend.

ENDS

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