6 May 2002

New Liquor Laws Are Effective And Councils And Police Should Use Them - Peters

MP for Tauranga and Leader of New Zealand First Rt Hon Winston Peters has labelled as plain wrong, suggestions that the Local Government (Prohibition of Liquor in Public Places) Amendment Act 2001, is unworkable or is in some way flawed.

“If anything the Act is wider in its effect and application than I originally intended, the view of the Acts Parliamentary critics, and it is regrettable that some who should know better, are not utilising this Act to give the level of protection from drunkenness and loutish behaviour, communities have the right to expect”, he said.

“This Act does present a new and aggressive opportunity for Councils and Police to work together to ensure communities are not subjected to the depraved behaviour of the past and I urge Councils and the Police to use the Act in the manner intended and get over their shyness as to its potential impact. I have every faith the Act has all the powers and teeth necessary for all agencies to give effect to the wishes of their communities, and the impact of the Act to date has been very positive and beneficial to ratepayers and Police alike. I regret that some individuals in Police National Headquarters have displayed timidness towards the Act and suggest that if they have any doubts, to put a test case before the Courts for clarification” Mr Peters suggested.

“The Police and Councils have long asked for tough legislation to back them up.

It’s been given to them and now they should use it”, concluded Mr Peters.

ENDS

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