Media Release: Manurewa Youth Council

21 August 2012

Act Now on Alcohol Reform Bill – Youth of Manurewa

The Alcohol Reform Bill is before Parliament again this week and the Manurewa Youth Council is calling for urgent action in passing this piece of legislation.

The Alcohol Reform Bill represents a reform of the current Sale of Liquor Act 1989. It is a package of reforms which the Manurewa Youth Council supports and which will support the Manurewa community. Communities will be given more say on the number, location and opening hours of liquor outlets, and over the policies that regulate alcohol in their communities among other reforms.

“The Alcohol Reform Bill is the product of years of consultation and now nearly two years of Parliamentary debate,” says Manurewa Youth Council Chair, Simeon Brown. “The young people of Manurewa want to see action, and they want to see it now.”

“The longer this bill sits down the order paper, the longer it will take for communities to be empowered to start addressing the impact of alcohol in their communities as this bill will take time to enforce.”

The Manurewa Youth Council is also concerned about reports that Parliamentary tactics will be used to delay this bill by calling for a clause by clause conscience vote.

“Now is not the time for grandstanding which wastes Parliamentary time and disempowers our community. While there are controversial aspects to this bill, on a whole it represents pragmatic and sensible policy which our communities are demanding.”

“Let’s start empowering our communities, especially those most affected by alcohol, such as Manurewa, and let’s do this now,” says Mr Brown.

The Manurewa Youth Council also supports an increase in the alcohol purchase age from 18 to 20 and urges all MP’s to support this move.

ENDS

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