Debate in a Pub Argues Whether Alcohol is Ordinary

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Debate in a Pub Argues Whether Alcohol is an Ordinary Commodity

Labour MP Lianne Dalziel argues that alcohol is an ordinary item like the bread sold beside it in the supermarket and corner dairy.

The Law Commission report ‘Alcohol in Our Lives says the prevalence of alcohol at low cost, over long hours and aggressively marketed has created this view and contributes to a heavy drinking culture.

Community Action Youth and Drug Coordinator Mike Moss calls for New Zealanders to listen to the evidence then make themselves heard on what they believe will change this harmful culture.

Community Action Youth and Drug are holding a public debate and discussion at Christchurch bar Goodbye Blue Monday at 6.00pm Monday 7th of February.

Police Sergeant Al Lawn, Alcohol Strategy and Enforcement Team and Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey will be opposite MP Lianne Dalziel and CAYAD’s Mike Moss to put the case that alcohol is no ordinary commodity. Discussion and question and answer time will follow the debate.

CAYAD work to reduce the harm from drugs including alcohol to all young people. The youth binge drinking culture is very visible and an easy focus for alcohol law reform, but is only the tip an ugly iceberg.

Mike Moss, CAYAD spokesman says “The law reform focus must be on measures that make a difference to the New Zealand adult heavy drinking culture.” It is that culture which determines the drinking patterns of young and new drinkers”.

Every year 1,000 New Zealanders die from alcohol related accidents, crimes or health problems. BERL Economics estimate the social costs of harmful drinking to be over $4.4 billion in a year.

The Select Committee will accept submissions on the Alcohol Law Reform Bill until 18 February 20011

ENDS

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