Relief from soaring food and electricity prices headed the promises in the One Bermuda Alliance's Throne Speech today.And two of the Island's most contentious topics — gambling and marijuana use — will take centre stage in the coming weeks as Government engages public opinion on each.The days of conscription appear numbered as Government said it would amend the Defence Act to eliminate it, while one of Bermuda's oldest traditions — the ban on selling alcohol on Sundays — could also be coming to an end.Reading the Speech on the Cabinet grounds on behalf of the OBA, Governor George Fergusson announced three prominent grocery stores have agreed to offer deals to help customers struggling during the economic crisis.MarketPlace, Supermart and Lindo's will introduce ten percent discounted shopping on Wednesdays, for one year from December 1, following negotiations between Government and the Bermuda Trade Union Congress.“The challenge for Government will be to spread the spirit of shared sacrifice to all stakeholder groups, particularly those who can help relieve people's hardships,” stated Mr Fergusson.“To that end, and in keeping with a promise made in negotiations with the BTUC, the Government initiated discussions on the cost of food and electricity.”The OBA pledged that the Ministry of Economic Development will move the regulation of Energy to the independent Regulatory Authority, which was launched in January this year.The Energy Act and Regulatory Act will both be revised as part of this move, with Mr Fergusson stating: “One of the aims of this initiative is to help lower the cost of energy for consumers.”Hinting at a disruption of Belco's dominance of the field, he said the Bermuda Energy Working Group is tasked with developing “equitable interconnection agreements” for independent power producers to contribute to the production of electricity and encourage price competition.On gambling, the OBA said its Gaming Committee is currently reviewing information, with Mr Fergusson stating: “The Government is committed to having a referendum on gaming in the first quarter of 2014. The referendum will be preceded by a substantive public information campaign.”Reiterating the OBA's plans to tackle the cannabis issue, Mr Fergusson stated: “The time has come for leadership in the public debate on marijuana.“Therefore, in this session, the Government will produce a public consultation paper on the decriminalisation of marijuana and an examination of its wider uses.“This will inform the community of the competing research on this drug, its uses and the potential impact any shift in policy might have on the Island.“The people's representatives must lead a sensible, mature public discussion on this issue.”Regarding conscription, the OBA pledged: “During this legislative session, the Government will introduce amendments to the Defence Act 1965 to eliminate conscription.”It also pledged to provide for a revised legal and disciplinary system for the Regiment in accordance with European standards for the modern military.Meanwhile the Sunday alcohol ban is ending as part of a modernisation of licensing laws.“The prohibition of alcohol sales by retail outlets on Sundays has been a feature of Bermudian society for a long time,” said Mr Fergusson.“However, times have changed. Locals and tourists alike wish to be able to purchase beer, wines and spirits on a Sunday.“Accordingly, Government will amend the Liquor Licence Act 1974 to allow for the purchase of wine and spirits on Sundays from retail outlets that are permitted to operate in accordance with the Public Holidays Act 1947.”More good news for retailers came in the form of proposed flexibility for opening times, following consultation with the Chamber of Commerce and the Registrar of Companies.Among the economic-related news is a plan for a $50 million bond issue this month, which will complete the Finance Ministry's strategic borrowing requirements.Legislation will be toughened up to improve debt collection as Government chases $70 million in unpaid taxes, while those who donate food to the needy will be protected through a Good Samaritan Act.Action on violent crime will include amendments to allow judges to set the minimum amount of time that must be served before murderers or other serious offenders become eligible for parole.Mr Fergusson explained: “The recent Privy Council decision that reduced the sentences of two convicted murderers has caused disquiet in the community and has given rise to concern about the efficacy of the criminal justice system in relation to serious offences.”Other highlights from the 25-page Speech include a break for St Georgians, with a promised temporary jobs programme to bring the parish's golf course back up to standard.Those overseas at election time, such as travellers and students, will benefit from plans for absentee balloting.Bermuda status will be more easily obtainable for people born in Bermuda or adopted by Bermudian parents, following proposed legislative changes.Parents who don't pay their child maintenance will be subject to “more creative solutions” than prison, while greater efforts will be made on mediation in child custody and access disputes.And S3 students will be required to sit the Employability Certification Programme to make them more attractive to potential employers.* See the Throne Speech in full, as well as our list of highlights, on The Royal Gazette's website.