Act ‘step in the right direction’

Press, 3 February 1982, Page 22

Act ‘step in the right direction’

PA Wellington The Summary Offences Act, which omitted drunkenness as an offence, was a step in the right direction, according to the chairman of the National Consultative Committee on Alcohol Dependency, Dr Norman Walker. But enforcing the law , would be ; beyond the resources of the groups forming the committee, he said. Uner the act, which has become law, it is no longer an offence to be drunk in a public place, but the police can still pick up anyone who is incapable of looking after themselves because of exessive drink or drugs. If the person is not able to be taken home, he can be held for 12 hours and then if still incapable, can be taken

to a “detoxification” centre. The centres will be designated and organised by the Health Department. Dr Walker said the law was the first step in coping with alcoholism. But where the rehabilitation of repeated drunks and alcoholics was to take place was troubling the committee. “We have got the legislation, but that is all. There are no provisions anywhere for help. We really need facilities, detoxification centres, social service centres,” said Dr Walker. “Unless there are adequate facilities people will be worse off than before. We will be having people picked up, given a feed, and then g being pushed out again.” The committee would push harder to provide the centres, he said.