SA: Ellis speaks out against New Year's binges

AAP General News (Australia)
12-29-2009
SA: Ellis speaks out against New Year's binges

ADELAIDE, Dec 29 AAP - Binge drinking to ring in the new year can turn a festive occasion
into a nightmare, Federal Youth Minister Kate Ellis has warned.

As Australians turned their attention towards New Year's Eve preparations, Ms Ellis
maintained the government's stance against heavy drinking among young people, as outlined
in the National Binge Drinking Strategy.

"I dont want to see a night out turn into a nightmare for young people and their families
- it's no way to start the New Year," she said in a statement.

"In Australia, 70 per cent of teenagers have witnessed alcohol-fuelled violence and
73 per cent of all physical assaults are alcohol related.

"That's shocking and we're working hard to address it.

"If you're over 18, enjoy a drink, but don't ruin the party for everyone with drunken
violence and reckless decisions."

The Australian Hotels Association reminded would-be patrons they would be refused entry
to pubs and clubs around the country if drunk and counselled parents to keep track of
their children.

"The hotel industry's message to young Australians is a very simple one - know your
limits and don''t make a fool of yourself by drinking too much on New Year's Eve," AHA
spokesman Hamish Arthur said.

"Given the vast majority of drinking takes place away from licensed premises, people
who are drunk can expect to be denied entry to hotels.

"Parents should know where their kids are planning to celebrate New Year's Eve and
if their children are not of the legal drinking age, parents shouldn't buy alcohol for
them."

AAP dfb/dep

KEYWORD: EVE ELLIS

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