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Speed up alcohol reform, says MP

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Speed up alcohol reform, says MP

3News NZ

Phil Twyford

Phil Twyford

MPs are preparing for another round of debate over the Alcohol Reform Bill.

The Government's highly anticipated and long-awaited response to a Law Commission report on alcohol abuse and social costs will endure a clause-by-clause review in Parliament later today.

MPs have already voted to keep the drinking age at 18, after calls for a higher or split age failed.

Te Atatu MP Phil Twyford's putting up an amendment today:

"Under the bill as it stands… councils won't be able to use those provisions for local alcohol policies for 16 months after the bill becomes law," the Labour MP says.

"That's too long."

Mr Twyford says councils should have greater control over local alcohol retailers from the get-go, not 16 months after the bill finally passes into law.

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Comments

25/10/2012 10:49:53 a.m.

Alex wrote:

When will some of you get the message that increased legislation doesn't curb alcohol related crime and misuse. It in fact, makes it more of a deterrent to the already responsible majority, rather than targeting the minority that put the drinking culture into such disrepute. Craig is a clear example of a conservative misguided NZer. Young people will always find a way to obtain alcohol, poor people will still be prepared to pay the extra price for alcohol tax hikes, those who normally drink RTDs will move to heavier mixed spirits and those who choose to blatantly drive well in excess of the drink driving limit will continue to do so. The country will never solve its problems until people make better choices and it's up to everyone in society to ensure those messages get through. MP's can do all they like but risk pissing off good responsible folk rather than solving actual problems.

24/10/2012 12:08:33 p.m.

Craig wrote:

Rachel, I didn't say anything about responsible drinkers in this context. Clearly, you are one of those. However, there are a rising proportion of younger female alcohol abusers these days, and alcopops are their beverage of choice.

Crazy, I hope you and the bus driver got away okay and hope you reported your ordeal to the police. Those kids sound like they were committing an offence under the Summary Offences Act 1981.

23/10/2012 10:26:43 p.m.

Rachel wrote:

@CRAIG - I disagree to your stance on banning alcopop drinks. Yes, I understand they appeal to underage drinkers, but FEMALE drinkers?? Sorry, I didn't know as a 37 year old female I wasn't allowed to enjoy the alcohol that I prefer (which happens to be alcopops). U'm on a low income, and RARELY drink (because the budget rarely allows for it), and I would like to think on the occasions that I CAN afford to splurge a little, I can enjoy a midori&lemonade, KGB, Coruba&Cola, Raspberry Cruiser or similar.

23/10/2012 5:40:39 p.m.

Crazy wrote:

while they argue over symantics, drunken teenagers are creating havoc everywhere, i had to defend a bus driver from about 50 drunken teens casue he wouldnt let them on the bus, they almost smashed out the windows and i was forced to stand up against them, when is this s*** going to end?

23/10/2012 3:59:21 p.m.

Grant wrote:

All Governments have a go at smokers who quietly go about their business without hurting anyone else except themselves. They let bing drinking go on and on in society killing people on our roads and family violence. These RTD's (lolly water) are far to easy to drink and have such a high alcohol level that they should be taxed so high that younger people cannot afford them. I was for raising the age to 20 along with majority of NZ, our young people are killing themselves what with fast cars fueled by RTD's.

23/10/2012 3:44:56 p.m.

Gary wrote:

When there is any road accident the police have there standard answer "Alcohol may have been involved" Which is pure propoganda at that stage. Police need to get back to their role of gathering the evidence not manipulating peoples thoughts for some underhanded political agenda. Obviously money is a critical desicion maker re-raising the age.

23/10/2012 2:40:06 p.m.

Craig wrote:

Why does the metaphor 'watered down' occur to one about these so-called reforms? Come on, let's have something stronger than this- reduce the minimum threshold amount permissible for intoxication readings when it comes to drink driving, raise the minimum alcohol consumption age back to twenty one, ban supermarket sales, ban alcopop drinks (which attract underage and female drinkers), place prominent health warnings on alcoholic beverage containers, increase penalties for negligent use of motor vehicles, and other reforms.

As for Jim's comment, at least any Labour-led alcohol reforms will probably be far more stringent than the current Key administrations.

23/10/2012 10:13:22 a.m.

Paora wrote:

The last weekend road toll as with many before it had only the police saying "Alcohol may have been involved" without any evidence to support what they said. Their comments are not helpful to anyone except falsely promote the police action to demonise drink and increase their revenue gathering efforts by also lowering the speed margin of error.

23/10/2012 9:52:12 a.m.

Richard wrote:

I am more concerned too that none of you listened to your constituents. The public call was for raising the age and shutting down dairies and shonky local booze shops. Any politicians still got hearing problems?

23/10/2012 9:00:45 a.m.

Jim Seaview wrote:

QUOTE: "Te Atatu MP Phil Twyford's putting up an amendment today : "Under the bill as it stands… councils won't be able to use those provisions for local alcohol policies for 16 months after the bill becomes law," the Labour MP says. "That's too long." WITH ALL DUE RESPECT to Labour MP Phil Twyford - I actually agree with your proposed amendment but state that as Binge drinking has been a problem for decades and finally under National they are trying to do something. My QUESTION TO YOU "Why didnt you do something about Alcohol reform when Labour were in government for NINE YEARS???? I remember that Labour did increase the taxes on Sherry and Port to try and curb binge drinking which had to be the NO BRAINER of the century. HAVE lABOUR LEARNT ANYTHING???