If we really want to tackle
CHILD ABUSE and FAMILY VIOLENCE,
ALCOHOL ABUSE
is a great place to start

I have an important request.

Every report I have read regarding child abuse and family violence says that alcohol abuse is a major contributing factor. A child is hugely at risk when an adult is under the influence of alcohol, and a recent survey by Massey University found that more than half of our sexual and physical assaults occurred while under the influence of alcohol. Our teenagers are binge drinking at an earlier age, and our health and justice system is clogged up with the fallout from our drinking culture.

In 1989 and then in 1999, the politicians increased the availability of alcohol in our communities, lowered the drinking age, and have since failed to respond to the concerns of families regarding the harm of alcohol despite glaringly obvious problems.

The Law Commission is doing an extensive review of the alcohol laws including the drinking age, availability and pricing of alcohol, drinking hours, advertising and health concerns. The culture of harmful drinking among some New Zealanders has massive consequences for families and children.

PLEASE MAKE A SUBMISSION  - CLICK HERE
(Closing date is 30 October 2009)

Here's what we're recommending:
* reduce marketing and advertising
* reduce alcohol accessibility e.g.restrict sales of alcohol from residential area bottle stores, grocery stores and supermarkets. More community say. No 'loss leading'.
* raise the tax on alcohol
* raise the drinking age
* strong penalties for selling to underage
* penalties for public drunkenness
* health warnings on alcohol products and advertising
* increase treatment opportunities

Here's a GREAT website, which we support, with stacks of information - ALCOHOL ACTION NZ - http://www.alcoholaction.co.nz/

READ Family First's Submission
(You are welcome to cut and paste any material you wish to)

FOR MORE INFO:
Web :  http://talklaw.co.nz/liquor    
Phone : 0800 30 30 30

The bottom line...
We can't complain about liberal alcohol laws and the harms of alcohol abuse if we don't speak up and voice our concerns! This is our opportunity .

Thanks for considering this important request.


Bob McCoskrie
National Director