Drinking age

The debate on the minimum age for alcohol consumption should be a no brainer.

The abundance of literature on the deleterious effects of excessive alcohol consumption, especially on the developing brain of a child, should be enough to convince any right thinking person, be they politician or not. Why anyone would oppose the Bill is a mystery and their motives should be closely questioned.

There can be no doubt that restricting access to alcohol to minors under the age of 16 is a sensible move that logically should have been implemented years ago. That is not to say parents should be prevented from serving alcohol to children in a responsible manner within the confines of their home.

What the Bill appropriately does is stop retailers selling alcohol to children.

When it comes to the service of alcohol to minors, everyone should stop dragging their feet and pass those aspects of the Bill clearly designed to protect young people.