Email to Mailing List 11 November 2010

Dear Stakeholder,

Welcome to the 11 November 2010 It’s our turn to shout update.

The movement towards alcohol law reform is hotting up again now that the Government has released its Alcohol Reform Bill. It is expected the Bill will be tabled in Parliament for its first reading before Christmas. Following this it will be presented to the Justice and Electoral Select Committee and submissions will be called for.

The Government has accepted or partially accepted 126 of the Law Commission’s 153 recommendations, and this is welcomed by Shout. However, we think it’s important the Government also accepts the other recommendations, many of which are among the most significant. These include tackling the proliferation of cheap booze and rampant advertising and marketing.

Now is the time to get co-ordinated and active towards submission writing in order to show our politicians that communities want change.

Shout Policy and Media Skills Workshops coming your way

We’re keen to help communities and organisations prepare both written and oral submissions for the Select Committee process, and to help them work with their MPs and media. To this end, we'll be holding a series of workshops across New Zealand in November/December, and again in February 2011.

Where and when

This year’s dates and places are:

• Monday 29 Nov – Porirua
• Thursday 2 Dec – Whangarei
• Friday 3 Dec – Auckland
• Tuesday 7 Dec – Gisborne
• Friday 10 Dec – Christchurch

Venues to be confirmed.

Format

We are very lucky to have a skilled team to provide training: Ex Green MP Sue Bradford offers extensive political expertise and the team from Communiqué will provide media tips and tricks.

The workshops will help you:

• understand the issues in the Bill
• write your submission
• tell your story to the Select Committee
• get your point across to local media
• work with your MP to understand/influence local liquor issues.

If you would like to attend a workshop in your area please contact Kate Hammond or Ross Bell (04 801 6303, kate.hammond@drugfoundation.org.nz or ross.bell@drugfoundation.org.nz).

Help with community events

It’s our turn to shout is encouraging local activities as a way for communities to learn about the alcohol law reform process and how they can have a say.

If you'd like to organise an event in your area, such as a public meeting or debate on alcohol law reform contact Alcohol Healthwatch to discuss your ideas and how we may be able to help. Call Julia Rogan on 09 520 7038.

Get involved online

Keep up-to-date and informed:

• Read our blog
• Find us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Sign up to our Mailing list (and encourage your colleagues).

Check out the Drug Foundation's new video: A budget guide to drinking yourself to death!