I always appreciate the chance to talk to people about issues facing our communities.
Many have raised their concerns about our drinking habits especially the effect drinking has on youth.
Like you, National wants to encourage a healthier drinking culture in New Zealand.
Too many young people spend their weekends drinking, fighting and causing trouble.
Alcohol is a factor responsible for about 1000 deaths a year and 30% of all crime.
It is time we reduced the harm caused by excessive drinking.
That is why National has introduced a range of measures to reform the Alcohol Law.
These include the following:
1. Giving local communities the power to decide the number of alcohol outlets allowed in their neighbourhood, their location and hours of operation
2. A split drinking age – 18 for licensed premises and 20 for off-license stores
3. Restricting opening hours for bars until 4 am
4. Restricting the alcohol content in RTDs
It is important that we address the serious problems alcohol causes in our community.
Drinking is a factor in 34% of all recorded domestic violence.
Let us take responsibility for our drinking.
You can tell us what you think about our ideas by making a submission to Parliament or contacting my electorate office.
I hope our Indian communities make their views on this important issue heard.
For further information, visit www.justice.govt.nz and www.beehive.govt.nz
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi is Member of Parliament on National Party List. The above article is exclusive to Indian Newslink ©
He can be contacted at his Auckland Electorate Office at (09) 2789302
