Police back rise in drinking age

Police have said today they support proposals to increase the minimum drinking age and close bars earlier.

Police this morning released its submission to the Law Commission on the reform of liquor laws.

Among changes police said they would like to see are:

• A reduction in the trading hours of licensed premises;

• An increase in the purchase age;

• The ability to put wider conditions on licensed premises for the purpose of reducing alcohol-related harm;

• Allow for liquor licences to be refused on wider grounds than at present;

• Greater ability to deal with problematic premises.

Assistant commissioner Grant Nicholls said at least a third of all recorded offences were committed by an offender who had been drinking alcohol.

"Our submission recognised that a full range of interventions are required to reduce alcohol-related harm. Police recognise that issues such as advertising, price and treatment services are key issues.

"However, these matters are outside Police's expertise. Our submission focused on those proposals that fell within Police business," Mr Nicholls said.

- NZHERALD STAFF