More than 300 leading doctors and nurses in New Zealand and Australia have released a joint statement calling on the Law Commission to reduce the marketing, advertising and availability of alcohol, as well as to increase alcohol prices and anti-drink driving campaigns.

Statistics report that 75% of patients in emergency rooms on Friday or Saturday nights have injuries related to alcohol, and 60% of those detained by police are under the influence of alcohol. Member of Parliament Jim Anderton said, “The legislation must be changed, and the Law Commission is looking at that right now. What we need is a culture change. We need to stop romanticising heavy drinking.” Bravo Parliament Member Anderton, and all doctors, nurses and police in New Zealand and Australia for your commitment to ensuring public safety and well-being.

Blessed be efforts as yours in bringing society the happiness and freedom of intoxicant-free living.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00412.htm,
http://www.progressive.org.nz/latestnews/files/category-news-releases.html