19 August 2011

Jim Anderton joins community opposition to new liquor outlet

It’s too hard for communities to oppose a proliferation of liquor outlets in their neighbourhoods, Progressive Wigram MP Jim Anderton says.

He is joining a residents’ protest on Saturday against a new liquor outlet in a residential area.

The community protest, organised by the Ilam and Upper Riccarton Residents’ Association, opposes plans by a Foodstuffs subsidiary to open a new liquor outlet on the corner of Yaldhurst and Avonhead Roads.

“The proliferation of alcohol outlets, combined with the reduced drinking age and extended opening hours are leading to more alcohol abuse and more harm to communities.

“It’s too hard for communities to say we don’t want so much alcohol promotion in our streets.

“Communities are in a good position to judge for themselves whether alcohol outlets are too prevalent in any area, but the law doesn’t give local communities enough say. You don't have to be a wowser to say the rules are too heavily weighted in favour of alcohol, and the result is that it is too hard for a community to respond to increasing alcohol abuse.

“Sixty per cent of criminal offences are committed when the offender is under the influence of alcohol,” Jim Anderton says.

“If we want less crime and safer streets, we need to make alcohol less available.”

Saturday’s protest march starts from Athol Terrace in Upper Riccarton at 12.45pm and will be followed by speeches at the Avonhead School at 1.30pm.

www.progressive.org.nz

ENDS

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