Ready-to-drink pre-mixed spirits (RTDs)
RTDs linked to deaths
Ready-to-drink pre-mixed spirits (RTDs) are being blamed for the alcohol-related deaths of girls in New South Wales, and police and health workers fear the trend is being repeated in this country.
Ref. Source 2
This is really a tragedy. Sounds like they need to toughen up their laws to make alcohol less accessible to adolescents. The idea to limit the alcohol content to 4% wouldn't be a bad idea either. Kids and alcohol do not mix well. They tend to drink until they are totally blitzed which puts them at jeopardy for alcohol poisoning in addition to danger of injury or death due to their inebriated condition.
N.Zealand's legal limits for alcohol consumption are pretty nice if you are young and want to get ripped:
QUOTE |
Alcohol can be sold only by licensed premises, but there is no obligation to serve any person. It is illegal to purchase alcohol if one is already drunk. Drinking on public transport is prohibited unless the vehicle (e.g. ship, train) holds a liquor license. Minors can drink alcohol in a public place if they are accompanied and it is provided by their parent or guardian; this includes licensed premises, such as restaurants, and at private social gatherings, but excludes designated restricted areas in pubs and bars, where persons under the age of 18 are not permitted. ** Minors (under 18s) can be fined if they drink alcohol in public places, without a parent or guardian present. While there are extensive laws prohibiting alcohol purchase by any person under 18 years of age, to actually drink alcohol (without the element of purchasing) is NOT currently an offence. Usually any person under 18 who is found consuming alcohol in a public place without a guardian will have the drink removed and if drunk will be returned to their home, or be required to stay at a police station until sobering up.. On 8 November 2006 the New Zealand Parliament rejected a bill to return the legal age to 20 after significant lobbying by the Keepit18 group and others. |