Progressive MP supports Waitakere liquor ban bylaw

Auckland-based Progressive MP, Matt Robson, is welcoming the Waitakere City Council's liquor ban baylaw passed last night.

Matt Robson said the bylaw is in accord with the harm minimization message in the National Drug Policy driven by Progressive leader, Jim Anderton.

"Communities have the right and the responsibility to take action to send a strong message to young people in particular that unacceptable social behaviour won't be tolerated and that action will be taken if necessary to protect vulnerable young people from substances that they clearly can't handle responsibly," Matt Robson said.

"I understand the fear that there may be overzealous enforcement but when children as young as nine are being found drunk in public places, putting themselves at great risk, then you just have to get serious to keep them safe," Matt Robson said.

As reported today, the council last night decided that liquor will be banned from Piha beach, at night during public holidays, under the new Control of Liquor in Public Places Bylaw.

The bylaw was enacted under the Local Government Act 2002, which gives the communities the power to make bylaws to control where liquor can be taken to and consumed in the city.

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