Will raising the age stop the culture? | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

Binge, under-age and irresponsible drinking and the behaviour that results from it are forever under scrutiny. Progressive party leader Jim Anderton argues that since the alcohol purchasing age was lowered to 18, there has been a huge increase in incidents relating to young people and alcohol.

He and his party are behind a recent bill that was brought before parliament to raise the drinking age and it is currently before the Law and Order select committee.

Stratford Press reporter Kylie Malin spoke to 18-year-old high school students Janelle Gavin, Sarah Mako, Katie Barry, Brendan Hughes and Peter Leach to gauge their opinion on the prospect of raising the drinking age and what, if any effect it will have on the binge-drinking culture that surrounds teenagers.

All the teens spoken to agreed that raising the drinking age would do nothing to reduce under-age drinking. If anything, they thought it would increase it due to more people coming into the under-age bracket.

"Kids can still get their hands on alcohol regardless of the drinking age. Some older friends and family are usually willing to supply alcohol to minors and I think it increases the risk of irresponsible drinking," commented Janelle.

Jim Anderton stated that the government made a mistake in lowering the drinking age in the first place and that it has resulted in a destructive culture for young people.

When the students were asked whether they, at 18, were responsible enough to buy and consume alcohol they all replied that they were and that they drank responsibly.

They associated excessive drinking and irresponsibility with larger towns saying they preferred to drink in small groups, in a controlled environment as opposed to clubbing.

"We have been brought up to know the effects of alcohol. Because of that we are less likely to go crazy and it is not such a novelty. We only drink with our friends and we don't think that going to town is all that it's cracked up to be," commented Sarah.

Peter Leach was adamant that raising the drinking age would do nothing to fix the binge-drinking culture of teens. "What's the point of raising the drinking age when kids are going to get it anyway? We might as well buy it on our own terms. First year university students wouldn't take very well to not being able to purchase alcohol and it could lead to more destructive in-hostel behaviour."

All the students queried said that they had all had experience with alcohol and having had a taste, weren't fussed with excessive drinking, preferring to stick to a few social beverages amongst friends.

"You have to try it at some stage I think. As an 18-year-old alcohol purchaser it is sometimes safer because I'm still at home and my parents are available to pick me up from places as opposed to me walking home and putting myself in dangerous situations," said Katie.

While the negatives of raising the drinking age were flowing freely, it seemed difficult for the students to find positives surrounding the bill.

Share your viewpoint with us - what do you think about raising the alcohol purchasing age? Send your Letter to the Editor to PO Box 300, Stratford, and be in to win a $10 book voucher.

Pictured are local students Peter Leach, Brendan Hughes, Sarah Mako, Katie Barry and Janelle Gavin have educated opinions on raising the alcohol purchasing age.