Alcohol Reform Bill

Following discussions in the Business Committee, I seek leave for the Committee stage on Part 2 of the Alcohol Reform Bill to take the form of an in principle debate on the issue of age for sale and purchase of alcohol from licensed premises, and for the issue to be decided at 5.30 p.m. on Thursday, 30 August 2012, by way of an election from the three options—18 years, 20 years, and a split age—and if this election does not produce a majority decision from the votes cast, for the option receiving the fewest votes to be eliminated, and the issue to be decided between the remaining two options by a personal vote without any debate; and for the Committee to report progress at the conclusion of the voting, following which any amendments to the bill necessary to implement the Committee’s decision will be drafted by parliamentary counsel.

I further seek leave that, in the event that there should be a second vote required, the bells ring for just 1 minute between the declaration of the vote and the commencement of the second bell.

Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.