Media Release: Manurewa Youth Council
4 May 2012

Manurewa Youth Council Supports Raising Alcohol Purchase Age to 20

The recently established Manurewa Youth Council last night voted to support an increase in the alcohol purchase age from 18 to 20. The Council also voted to support the purpose of the Alcohol Reform Bill as it will go some way to producing the much needed cultural change around alcohol in New Zealand.

“These proposals will go some way to tighten up the accessibility of alcohol to young people, and also give communities more say on where alcohol is sold and when it is sold,” says Manurewa Youth Council Chairman Simeon Brown

The Manurewa Youth Council recently held its first Youth Forum in Manurewa where young people were asked where they want to see Manurewa in 5-10 years’ time.

“One of the issues which was raised over and over again, was the effect that alcohol has in this community,” Simeon Brown Continues. “A number of proposals were put forward including support for changes to the drinking age.

“Everyone understands the effect the abuse of alcohol has on our community, but they also understand the risks alcohol poses to young people if they start drinking too early especially in uncontrolled circumstances.

“Overall what we need is a cultural change in society around drinking, and we believe that this overall package will go some way towards creating the conditions where this cultural change can occur. Manurewa residents, including myself, have been calling for tighter restrictions on alcohol supply for a long time, and calling for greater say by communities on where liquor licences are granted.

“Now young people are standing up and asking politicians to take note and make the changes which are needed.” Simeon Brown concludes.

The Manurewa Youth Council calls on Manurewa MP, Louisa Wall, and National’s list MP based in Manurewa, Cam Calder, to support raising the alcohol purchase age to 20 and for Parliament to enact these much needed changes without delay.

ENDS

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