Damon Locantro has made a name for himself on the Sunshine Coast defending people charged with breaking the law. His practice, Locantro Lawyers, specialises in criminal defence but also offers services to those facing action by a government department. Damon has 15 years experience in criminal law and was formerly a NSW prosecutor and member of the NSW Police Service.

Cap alcohol content in pre-mixers

May 6 | Damon Locantro

I felt uneasy about the new tax on pre-mixed alcoholfor three reasons.

Firstly, I did not expect the Labor government to introduce a new tax.

I think that comes from many years of them criticising the Coalition for introducing new taxes.

Secondly, I think the tax is unfair in that it slugs people who enjoy the ocassional mixed drink.

Thirdly, don’t think it will work in reducing binge drinking. I believe that it is the potency of the alcohol that needs to be regulated, not its affordability.

If the government capped the content of alcoholic drinks to 3 per cent and perhaps regulated the contents, people would probably become full or sick before they become very drunk.

I had a chat to a few of my colleagues this morning over coffee and they all had the opinion that kids these days are pretty affluent, and their experience, even in the private schools on the Coast, was that affordability was not an issue.

One of my colleagues is a teacher.

We discussed the need for education about the use and abuse of alcohol. In my opinion, if the tax is going to stay we should see every dollar gathered spent on a national schools drinking education program.

I don’t think taxes get to the root of the problem.

> Mark My Words: tax won't stop binge drinking.

Recent Comments

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Posted by airliestar from SUNSHINE COAST

on 13 May, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

couldn't agree more. Being one of the 'younger' generation that they are complaining about when it comes to Binge drinking, I know that this extra Tax will not fix the issue.

The cost does not come into most minds when considering what to drink and it if it does then the group of friends are just getting together and buying a bottle of spirits instead.

I think the best option is just to monitor what goes into the mixed drinks and apart from that seriously, we are not the first generation to be 'rebellious' and binge drink. It is not every child doing this, so they need to stop making out that MY generation is so terrible. Yes try and help the situation but they need to stop over exaggerating the issue and making into something that it is not. There are good, well behaved teenagers out there too.

Posted by KaraSC from maroochydore

on 15 May, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

it wont stop the binge drinking. people will just realise they can buy a bottle of what they are drinking for so much cheaper. probably will increase the amount of drunks, because they'll get sick of making their drinks they might just end up drinking out of the bottle. and if that is too hard, then they'll just pop a pill for a cheaper price too.