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Joint initiative aims to reduce alcohol related harm

Monday 9 July 2012, 1:39PM

By Hastings District Council

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Hastings District and Napier City Councils are seeking projects which will help lead to a reduction in alcohol related harm in the community.

‘Ease Up in the Bay’ will provide funding for projects that are targeted towards high risk groups in the Napier and Hastings communities and demonstrate an innovative approach to finding solutions to alcohol related harm.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says “The issues which are associated with alcohol related harm are more related to Maori men, youth, underage drinkers and those living in deprived areas while young women are also becoming more heavily represented in these statistics.”

“Currently, there are many effective policies which influence accessibility to alcohol, drink-driving enforcement and marketing practices. We are looking for new projects or an extension to an existing project which will make a difference in our communities.”

“Ease Up in the Bay aims to foster safe and responsible drinking which will effectively reduce alcohol related harm. The impact of this harm is felt throughout our whole community and we must continue to seek innovative ways of dealing with the drinking culture which is causing these problems.”

Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott says “Alcohol plays a significant part in the Kiwi lifestyle. It is often used in our celebrations, when enjoying fine food, and is part of our social lives. However, in Hawke’s Bay, alcohol is a significant factor in crime, accident and emergency admissions and fatal road accidents. We all have a part to play in ensuring that alcohol related harm is treated seriously by the whole community.”

ACC will contribute funding for community led ‘Ease Up in the Bay’ projects as Napier is a WHO Safe Community while Hastings is currently seeking accreditation as a Safe Community.