State accused of slow action on drinking laws
A peak youth affairs group says the State Government is dragging its heels in introducing liquor reform that addresses under-age and binge drinking.
Dismissing calls to consider lifting the legal drinking age to 21, the Youth Affairs Council of WA said a bigger concern was over-due changes to liquor laws to reduce alcohol-fuelled harm in young people.
Chief executive Craig Comrie said the Government should start by handing down the findings of a legislative review by the Department of Liquor, Racing and Gaming.
He said his group had put in a submission eight months ago but the Minister had failed to act on any of the recommendations made by various groups, while at the same time extending the review period twice.
"Our submission stressed the importance of phasing out alcohol advertising that has high exposure to young people, introducing secondary supply legislation and penalising licensed premises rather than individuals," he said.
"The Government has all this evidence at its fingertips, yet it is failing to take the opportunity to make real changes to address the harmful effects of alcohol on young people." Acting Minister for Racing and Gaming Terry Redman denied the Government was dragging its heels.
