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WHERE IS THE GOVERNMENT?S PROMISED REFORM OF ALCOHOL
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When is the Government going to finally take a decision on the age at which young people can drink alcohol? That's the question being asked by the PDP.
It adds: When it opened the leisure centre the Government made pronouncements that it wanted to have a zero tolerance policy on several issues including irresponsible use of alcohol and violence stemming from that.
Such a policy would be commendable if it were
consistent. However the Government has been equivocal by allowing there to be two regimes in place ? one for the leisure centre [where it is not permitted to serve alcohol to under eighteen year olds] and one for everywhere else.
"Indeed the inconsistency is present even in areas where the Government is the ultimate landlord ? like Casemates," says a statement. "That inconsistency should now end because all the Government is achieving is sending mixed messages to young people and to the business community."
In his New Year?s message the Chief Minister stated that the drinking age would be increased. There was an indication in his speech that this would take place in the first 6 months of the year. Clearly that has not happened.
"The Government should carry out its
policy and implement a level-playing field for all businesses in accordance with its commitment. It makes sense to achieve the objective of ensuring that abuse of alcohol by young people is not encouraged," they say.
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