Youth drinking: who is to blame?

I have interrupted my holiday in order to participate more fully in the moral panic now sweeping the country. So who is to blame for youth drinking? The answer will shock you.

Smoking Studies For Schools?

So it turns out that John Key was the one who came up with the idea of giving a bunch more pokie machines to Sky City in return for a convention centre. It’s the kind of innovative forward-thinking we have come to expect from our PM, and it demonstrates yet again that National leads the way when…

It’s Not How We’re Drinking, But Whether We’re Drinking Enough

The Alcohol Reform Bill was reported back from the Justice and Electoral Select Committee on Thursday, and the Government has said it will adopt all of the select committee’s recommendations. “We have a terrible problem in this country with drinking,” said the chairman of the select committee, Chester Borrows. “The fact of the matter is…

Imperator Fish Solves Another Huge Societal Problem

With all this kerfuffle over liquor laws, we’re failing to keep sight of the real problem. Some of us can’t handle our liquor. We can pass a lot of laws, set up action and support groups, and engage in furious debate over what must be done. But I’ve got a far simpler solution. Some people…

Are Our Kids Drinking Enough?

A prominent mental health expert has expressed dismay over the volume of alcohol being consumed by teenagers. Dr. Vivienne Knead made her comments at a gathering yesterday of mental health experts and youth advocacy groups. “Today’s youth has a major problem with booze,” said Dr. Knead. “We need to do something about the level of…

Law Commission Decries Evil Liquor

The Law Commission issued a report on Tuesday on alcohol and the supply of liquor. The report recommends the tightening of laws concerning the promotion and sale of liquor. Law Commission head Sir Geoffrey Palmer spoke about a harrowing night he spent with the Wellington constabulary, as police dealt with the mess left by excessive…