MPs' support first step to higher drinking age

Parliament last night strongly supported the first reading of a bill that would raise the drinking age from 18 to 20.

Progressive Party MP Matt Robson's members bill has been sent to the law and order select committee, where a new public debate on the issue will be opened.

Mr Robson believes Parliament made a mistake in 1999 when it voted, by a narrow majority, to lower the drinking age from 20 to 18.

His Sale of Liquor (Youth Alcohol Harm Reduction) Bill went through its first reading 78-41 on a conscience vote.

However, that does not ensure it will have a safe passage through later legislative stages.

Some MPs who supported it on its first reading are reserving judgment as to whether it should become law.

It is not likely to be back in the debating chamber for another vote before the election.

Mr Robson says research shows that since 1999 teenage hospital admissions, fatal and non-fatal crashes and sexually transmitted diseases have all increased.

"Now we can stop talking and start listening," he said.

Opponents of the bill said it would be wrong to penalise many thousands of 18 and 19-year-olds who had taken a responsible attitude to the lower drinking age. Labour MP Lianne Dalziel said she was worried by the apparent belief that just sending the bill to a select committee would solve the problem.

"The real issue is the drinking culture, New Zealand's tolerance of excessive drinking," she said.

"In New Zealand we don't just tolerate drunkenness, we glorify it."

The bill also has a provision that would not allow alcohol advertising on TV until after 10pm.

The Salvation Army said last night there had been an increase in problem drinking among young teenagers since the age was lowered.

"Hospital data shows an increase in the number of 10 to 14-year-olds admitted for alcohol poisoning, said director Campbell Roberts. "There is a real problem out there that needs to be addressed."

Liquor vote

* Voting was 78-41 in favour of a bill to raise the drinking age to 20.

* It now goes to the law and order select committee, where public submissions will be invited on the issue.

- NZPA