NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Travel
  • Home & Away
  • Podcasts
  • Win
  • Video
NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Travel
  • Home & Away
  • Podcasts
  • Win
  • Video
Subscribe
Home and Away opening title
Watch 1:09

Home and Away opening title

{headline}

{headline}

Boxing Day sales 2020: All the best deals so far!

Boxing Day sales 2020: All the best deals so far!

5 essential questions to help you choose the right preschool for your child

5 essential questions to help you choose the right preschool for your child

Astrology 101: Every Sign’s Zodiac Dates

Astrology 101: Every Sign’s Zodiac Dates

Science Explains Why Small Men Are So Aggressive

Science Explains Why Small Men Are So Aggressive

{headline}

{headline}

Not A Laughing Matter: What Is Coulrophobia (Fear Of Clowns?)

Not A Laughing Matter: What Is Coulrophobia (Fear Of Clowns?)

Friends For Life: 15 Friendship Quotes For Your True Friends

Friends For Life: 15 Friendship Quotes For Your True Friends

Here Are Some Short Inspirational Quotes To Help You Get Through The Day

Here Are Some Short Inspirational Quotes To Help You Get Through The Day

{headline}

{headline}

Is Your Love Written In The Stars? These Are The Most Compatible Star Signs

Is Your Love Written In The Stars? These Are The Most Compatible Star Signs

Dream Big & Do More: The 15 Best Dream Quotes To Inspire You

Dream Big & Do More: The 15 Best Dream Quotes To Inspire You

What Is The Best Star Sign? The Answer May Surprise You

What Is The Best Star Sign? The Answer May Surprise You

A Guide to the Perfect Kids Parties in Sydney

A Guide to the Perfect Kids Parties in Sydney

Don’t Let ‘Me Time’ Get Boring: Here Are The Top 20 Things To Do Alone

Don’t Let ‘Me Time’ Get Boring: Here Are The Top 20 Things To Do Alone

Live & Love Life: 15 Best Inspirational Quotes About Life

Live & Love Life: 15 Best Inspirational Quotes About Life

5 Antique Shops In Sydney That Will Take You Back In Time

5 Antique Shops In Sydney That Will Take You Back In Time

  1. Home
  2. Homes and Lifestyle

The Waiting Game: Should Kiwi Teens Wait A Little Bit More To Buy A Beer?

The answer may shock you! - by Rhys McKay
  • 26 Feb 2020
The Waiting Game: Should Kiwi Teens Wait A Little Bit More To Buy A Beer?

What is the legal drinking age in New Zealand? The legal drinking age in New Zealand is practically non-existent, but the alcohol purchase age is 18 years old. It’s not illegal for Kiwis under 18 to drink, but there are certain laws put in place to deter minors from drinking alcohol. 

The government says the drinking age in New Zealand seems fair, but what do the numbers really say? Let’s take a look at the alcohol laws in New Zealand and how minors are affected by it.

RELATED: When You Stop Drinking These Are The 7 Things That Happen

The History Of Alcohol Laws In New Zealand

Early Laws And The Licensing Act Of 1881

New Zealand’s alcohol laws date back as early as 1840 when it was adapted from the British’s legal system. Like most countries, the early alcohol laws in New Zealand were largely influenced by the beliefs at the time it was enacted. For example, Maōri people were banned from purchasing and consuming liquor at one point.

In 1876, New Zealand put an end to provincial governments leaving the country with inconsistent liquor laws. The Licensing Act of 1881 was then put in place as a solution to this problem. A key principle from the act that’s still present in New Zealand today is that those who serve alcohol are largely responsible for how the customer behaves. 

Interestingly, this act also had a couple of eyebrow-raising rules: women weren’t allowed to provide any entertainment (dancing) in bars, and teens as young as 16 were already allowed to purchase and enjoy alcohol. 

The Rise Of The Temperance Movement

At the turn of the 19th century, temperance ideas from the United States and Britain soon landed on Kiwi shores. Temperance means moderating and renouncing the consumption of alcohol. This movement gained traction due to the discovery of various social, health and mental problems that were linked to drinking.

In spite of the furious and stiff opposition, the movement continued to push for prohibition and a total ban on alcohol. Temperance protesters went on an all-out campaign against liquor – they organised ‘no licence leagues’ that produced newspaper advertisements and anti-alcohol public talks. However, the publicans, brewers, and spirit merchants fought back hard. Unfortunately, the only significant success that the temperance movement achieved was raising the drinking age to 18.

A person getting a bottle of alcohol off a shelf in a shop aisle
Getty

There is also compelling data that correlates alcohol with sexual risk-taking and sexual abuse. Also, there is substantial proof showing that teens under the influence of alcohol have an increased probability of participating in violence, vandalism, and sexual crimes. 

Three teenagers drinking bottles of alcohol
Getty

A study from Massey University found that New Zealand teenagers were still being supplied with huge amounts of alcohol. It compared two general population of drinkers before and after the 2012 Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act and found the reduction in supply to be insignificant. Also, the study found that in demographics the supplier will most likely be male, NZ European, around 18-24 years old and directly related or a friend of the minor. Supplying alcohol to a minor without the parent’s consent will cost you $NZD2000 ($AUD1890).

What Can Be Done

The current approach of the government for curbing teenage alcohol use has been deemed unsubstantial by researchers. The approach includes: alcohol and drug education in schools, PSAs advertising responsible drinking, and warning labels on alcohol packaging. 

So what do researchers suggest? Firstly, they’re proposing key reforms including raising the age to drink in New Zealand to 21, restricting alcohol advertisements, and regulating the hours of sale in liquor stores and bars.

Finally, the vast pool of research stresses the importance of familial support in encouraging healthy alcohol habits in teenagers. Sitting down with teens and explaining its harmful effects could greatly improve their future attitude towards alcohol – eventually steering them away from its deadly consequences. 

A family sitting around a table eating Christmas lunch
Getty

RELATED: Teen Mom Star Who Drank While Pregnant Admits To Son’s Health Problems

  • Travel
  • Homes and Lifestyle
Rhys McKay

Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!-SAVE 79%

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!

Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!-SAVE 79%

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!

Recommended to you

Home and Away opening title
Watch 1:09

Home and Away opening title

{headline}

{headline}

Boxing Day sales 2020: All the best deals so far!

Boxing Day sales 2020: All the best deals so far!

5 essential questions to help you choose the right preschool for your child

5 essential questions to help you choose the right preschool for your child

Astrology 101: Every Sign’s Zodiac Dates

Astrology 101: Every Sign’s Zodiac Dates

Science Explains Why Small Men Are So Aggressive

Science Explains Why Small Men Are So Aggressive

{headline}

{headline}

Not A Laughing Matter: What Is Coulrophobia (Fear Of Clowns?)

Not A Laughing Matter: What Is Coulrophobia (Fear Of Clowns?)

Friends For Life: 15 Friendship Quotes For Your True Friends

Friends For Life: 15 Friendship Quotes For Your True Friends

Here Are Some Short Inspirational Quotes To Help You Get Through The Day

Here Are Some Short Inspirational Quotes To Help You Get Through The Day

{headline}

{headline}

Is Your Love Written In The Stars? These Are The Most Compatible Star Signs

Is Your Love Written In The Stars? These Are The Most Compatible Star Signs

Dream Big & Do More: The 15 Best Dream Quotes To Inspire You

Dream Big & Do More: The 15 Best Dream Quotes To Inspire You

What Is The Best Star Sign? The Answer May Surprise You

What Is The Best Star Sign? The Answer May Surprise You

A Guide to the Perfect Kids Parties in Sydney

A Guide to the Perfect Kids Parties in Sydney

Don’t Let ‘Me Time’ Get Boring: Here Are The Top 20 Things To Do Alone

Don’t Let ‘Me Time’ Get Boring: Here Are The Top 20 Things To Do Alone

Live & Love Life: 15 Best Inspirational Quotes About Life

Live & Love Life: 15 Best Inspirational Quotes About Life

5 Antique Shops In Sydney That Will Take You Back In Time

5 Antique Shops In Sydney That Will Take You Back In Time

NewIdea
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions
NewIdea Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions

Brands

  • Girlfriend
  • New Idea food
  • Practical Parenting
  • That’s Life
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from New Idea

Magazine Subscription Offer

Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!-SAVE 79%

Shop This Offer
Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!