16 month wait for local action on alcohol - bureaucratic nonsense

Labour MP Phil Twyford is calling on the Government to make a last minute change to the Alcohol Reform Bill so communities can take action on local alcohol policies sooner.

“At the moment communities are looking at a 16 month delay before they can curb alcohol abuse on their back doorsteps. I’m putting up an amendment that would shorten that to seven months, including a three month delay to allow police and health agencies to get ready,” Phil Twyford said.

The call comes as Parliament prepares for a clause by clause debate of the Alcohol Reform Bill.

“Communities want the tools to curb alcohol abuse. They want to be able to control the number and location of alcohol outlets, as well as opening hours. It is crazy that they might not be able to get started for 16 months after the Bill becomes law.

“The Government has ignored submissions from local councils who want to be able to get Local Alcohol Policies up and running as soon as possible.

“Justice Minister, Judith Collins, needs to realise that Local Alcohol Policies are probably the most important part of the Bill. Making everyone wait 16 months is bureaucratic nonsense,” Phil Twyford said.