A decision on whether to keep the drinking age at 18, or to raise it to 20 will be left to New Zealand MPs to make a conscience vote. But other alcohol reform decisions will come down to a party vote.
A national caucus meeting was held discussing future legislation regarding drinking driving rules. Justice Minister Simon Power said alcohol reform legislation is due to have it’s first reading before the end of the year.
A Law Commission report released in April put forward 153 recommendations on reducing damage related to alcohol, proposing tax increases, and bringing in more restrictions around the sale of alcohol.
A string of alcohol related incidents in New Zealand has highlighted the issue, particularly involving young people such as James Webster, 16, who was found dead on May 9 after excessive drinking outside an Auckland party the previous night.
A recent protest in South Auckland by 300 advocates for alcohol law reform aiming to put pressure on the government highlights the New Zealand public’s concern.
The last time a conscience vote was held was 2006; the result was 72 to 49 in favour of keeping the drinking age at 18.
A national caucus meeting was held discussing future legislation regarding drinking driving rules. Justice Minister Simon Power said alcohol reform legislation is due to have it’s first reading before the end of the year.
A Law Commission report released in April put forward 153 recommendations on reducing damage related to alcohol, proposing tax increases, and bringing in more restrictions around the sale of alcohol.
A string of alcohol related incidents in New Zealand has highlighted the issue, particularly involving young people such as James Webster, 16, who was found dead on May 9 after excessive drinking outside an Auckland party the previous night.
A recent protest in South Auckland by 300 advocates for alcohol law reform aiming to put pressure on the government highlights the New Zealand public’s concern.
The last time a conscience vote was held was 2006; the result was 72 to 49 in favour of keeping the drinking age at 18.
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