Alcohol watchdog's advice to parents

ALAC says the longer parents hold off on serving young people alcohol, the less likely they are to drink harmfully later on. File photo / Herald on Sunday

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Parents throwing parties for teenagers need to think about whether alcohol will be available and if so: Who's coming, how much alcohol will there be and what food will be served?

The Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC) recommends holding off on serving alcohol to young people for as long as they can because the longer parents leave it, the less likely they are to drink harmfully later on.

"If the guardian has decided it is acceptable then it is important to think about some ground rules," Ms Helm said.

She said young people can be involved in the decision making but the ultimate decisions should be made by the caregiver.

She said a caregiver has to remember that they are responsible for everyone at the party and it could be a good idea to contact other caregivers to let them know alcohol will be served.

Ms Helm said rules should be decided on food, and how much alcohol will be available.

Then there's the question of what kinds of alcohol should be served.

"The favoured drinks of under-age drinkers are alco-pops. They're actually spirit-based drinks and they are easy to drink a lot of, so, provide other refreshments as well."

Ms Helm said caregivers should also think about how young people are getting home and whether or not they should organise transport.

And if the worst case scenario happens: "It is really important that people ring 111. It is difficult to determine if someone has full-blown alcohol poisoning or if they are just displaying the effects of alcohol," Ms Helm said.

She said caregivers should call police if "uninvited guests" show up.

There is more advice to parents available on the ALAC website.