Media Release

14 April 2004

Proactive Steps To Reduce Binge Drinking

New Zealand First is calling on the Government to raise the drinking age back to 20 after ALAC’s latest report indicated that there is a deeply ingrained binge drinking culture, particularly among young people.

“It is alarming to see the continuing increase in the number of binge drinkers among teenagers,” said youth affairs spokesperson Craig McNair.

“Health clinics have also reported a growing trend of young women who cannot recall the previous night’s course of events, placing them in a particularly vulnerable position.

“This problem can partly be attributed to the lowering of the drinking age to 18, which has resulted in more young New Zealanders being exposed to the dangers of alcohol.

“Proactive steps need to be taken to reduce the incidence of underage drinking. Raising the drinking age back to 20 would be a positive start,” said Mr McNair.

New Zealand First MP Ron Mark currently has a Private Member’s bill which calls for a return of the legal drinking age to 20.

ENDS

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