11.29.2005

Youth Parliament makes proposal in Aruba Parliament
Regarding alcohol sale to minors

A.M. Digital
11/29/2005

In connection with the International Day of the child, the Aruba Youth Parliament met with their bigger colleagues on November 17 last. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss various topics regarding the right of the child and the implementation of them.

One of the topics that had extra attention was the sale of alcohol. Presently the legal drinking age in Aruba is 16. The Youth Parliament made a proposal to change this to 18.Youth Parliament member Angelino Vrolijk presented various examples where it was clear that the use of alcohol by youngsters will have bad consequences for their personal development and for their performance at school.

The four political fractions in Parliament, i.e. MEP, AVP, RED, and MPA agreed to work on a law proposal to change the drinking age to 18. The Parliament members also agreed that once the law is there strict control must take place and any establishment that sells alcohol to minors must be fined heavily.
The meeting was a big achievement for Youth Parliament and the youth of Aruba because by increasing the drinking age to 18 we manage to protect youngsters against dangers that they might find themselves in when under influence of alcohol.

Another proposition by Youth Parliament is that they be given more opportunities to meet with the Aruba Parliament, especially when topics are to be discussed that regard the youth of Aruba.