WEIGHTY ISSUES FOR THE DUTCH--BEER OR BOOKS?

HALF-ASS BACKWARDS...DO IT THE DUTCH WAY!

Parliament opposes higher drinking age
8 May 2007


THE HAGUE – A majority in Parliament opposes raising the drinking age for beer, wine and alcopops to 18. (Are you thinking the same thing as me? What in the hell are "alcopops"? A very interesting name for plain-old wine-coolers.)


A proposal from Home Affairs Minister Guusje ter Horst (Labour PvdA) has come up against opposition from her own party, the Christian democrat CDA and Green-left GroenLinks.


The two coalition parties think that enforcement of the existing age limit of 16 should first be stepped up before new measures are considered.


CDA MP Ciska Joldersma thinks the minister is proposing too sweeping a measure in order to clamp down on a small group of problem youth. (There is no such thing as a "small group of youths who drink"...) She is urging for an approach focused on the young people "who are drinking vast amounts," in combination with better enforcement of the current minimum age. (Do you have some i.d. kid? I'm not sure if you look over 14... You want some weed with that as well?)


The PvdA also wants to see current legislation better enforced. Only after every effort has been made to this effect will the faction consider raising the drinking age. (The dutch...talk is cheap. Talk, talk, talk...do nothing.)


Both the CDA and PvdA agree that underage individuals buying alcohol should themselves be penalised. Under current legislation only the shop and café owners can be prosecuted.


[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2007]

ALCOHOL OK...SWEETS NO WAY?

"Ban commercials for sweets"
8 May 2007

AMSTERDAM – A group of health foundations and scientists is arguing that television commercials for sweets and crisps aimed at children should be banned before 9 pm. In a letter to Public Health Minister Ab Klink the group argues that self-regulation by the industry is not working.


The group is also arguing that in addition to a ban on advertising during the day, promotional campaigns aimed at young children and offering toys with the purchase of sweets should also be stopped. (Instead show beer commercials?)


The letter is signed by the Heart Foundation, the Diabetes fund, and other groups. Minister Klink has indicated that he first wants to meet with the industry to discuss tightening up self regulation.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2007]

CASH IN YOUR BEER BOTTLE DEPOSIT MONEY FOR SCHOOL BOOKS!

"Money for schoolbooks is insufficient"
9 May 2007

AMSTERDAM – The cabinet is not setting enough money aside for the free school books it has promised. A small majority of schools says the funds allotted are insufficient, Trouw reports.


Many independent secondary schools and large school systems say that the EUR 308 per student is not enough to cover the costs of books. They fear that the quality of education they offer will be compromised. 9 percent of schools on the other hand say that books have cost them less than EUR 308 per student and that they will have money left over. (Ask the Red Light District to donate some funds!)


School books are to be provided free of cost to students starting in 2008 at the earliest.



[Copyright Expatica News 2007]