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Posed by models. - Source: Reuters
A reform of the country's liquor laws is expected to easily pass its first reading today.
The bill follows months of discussion, consultation and consideration, and aims to tackle the country's binge drinking culture.
The Liquor Reform Bill proposes splitting the alcohol purchasing age to 18 for bars and clubs and 20 for off-licence purchases, limiting the alcohol content of RTDs, banning particularly harmful products and reducing opening hours.
The bill will go to select committee following its time in parliament, six months of submissions will then be undertaken.
The government hopes to pass the bill before next year's general election, but it will not be enacted until after the Rugby World Cup.
Justice Minister Simon Power said the bill is just the beginning of the government's crack down on binge drinking.
"This package is merely parliament's starting point for reform and we'll be listening carefully to the public through the select committee process.
"This government sees overhauling our alcohol laws as a priority, particularly for addressing the drivers of crime because alcohol is a major lubricant for offending," he said.
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