After an earlier postponement due to the weather, the Caroline Bay Community Lounge was standing room only for Alcohol Action South Canterbury's special meeting on the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of alcohol in society.
The large turnout reflected a growing awareness of societal problems related to alcohol, along with the recent release of the Law Commissions report Alcohol In Our Lives: Curbing the Harm. It was very pleasing to see a wide range of ages among the audience, and in particular parents with their teenage children.
Former Mayor Wynne Raymond was tasked with chairing the meeting, and he did an excellent job. It was great to see Timaru District Councillor Jane Coughlan present and taking notes, although it was a little disappointing that more of her fellow councillors didn't manage to make it. More...