Almost Closing Time for Alcohol Reform Bill Submission

04/02/2011 | Alcohol Reform Bill

If you have an opinion on the sale and consumption of alcohol and/or the Government’s proposed Alcohol Reform Bill, now is the time to speak up. Submissions close on 18 February and if you want to: support provisions of the Bill or oppose parts or suggest additions or amendments – this is your last chance to influence the process.

Martin Macmaster, Health Promoter for MidCentral Health Public Health Services, says the Bill is a total rewrite and covers all things to do with alcohol. “So whatever concerns you about alcohol: - drinking age; drinking in public; opening hours; taxation/price; availability; supply to minors; advertising etc – these are all relevant topics you could address.”

He encourages everybody to put in a submission and says it is not hard.  “The New Zealand Drug Foundation website (nzdf.org) is a good starting point and has discussion, information, links to the Bill and links to the Parliament on-line submissions page.  You can also register for a workshop on submitting on the Bill that NZDF are holding at the Palmerston North Convention Centre at 10.30am on Wednesday 9 February."

Everybody with an opinion is urged to put in a submission and this can be done on-line, or in writing.  It can be long and fact-filled, or just a few sentences saying what you feel or have experienced.  If you’re unsure of how to proceed he urges you to come to the workshop.

 Mr Macmaster said: “The public’s opinion does matter, and this could be your last chance for years to influence the process.  If you say nothing you’ll have a law that says what other people want it to – not necessarily what you want.  Speak up – have your say!”

Contact: Communications Unit (06) 350-8945.