19 Feb 2011

Last chance for input on alcohol and crime bills

3:43 pm on 19 February 2011

Public submissions close on Friday on two major pieces of legislation affecting alcohol and crime.

The Alcohol Reform Bill introduces tighter liquor licensing rules, a split-age for the purchase of alcohol and a range of other measures aimed at curbing excessive drinking among young people.

The bill follows a comprehensive Law Commission review of alcohol laws, released last year.

Friday also represents the last chance for people to tell Parliament their views on the Criminal Procedure (Reform and Modernisation) bill.

Justice Minister Simon Power says the bill heralds the biggest changes to the criminal justice system in half a century by simplifying and speeding up the court system.

Hard copy submissions on both bills are due by 5pm but online submissions will be accepted until midnight.