Drinking age likely focus of alcohol law review

The Law Commission is today expected to recommend the Government raise the alcohol buying age to 20.

A review of the purchase age is among a raft of changes to be considered by the Government when it overhauls liquor laws later this year.

Other recommendations expected to be canvassed in the final Law Commission report to be tabled in Parliament today include a hike in excise tax and changes to hours for off-licence sales.

A discussion document made public in July last year suggested a split purchase age of 18 for restaurants and bars and 20 for off-licence sales but it is understood the report recommends raising the alcohol buying across the board from 18 to 20.

A member's bill to raise the drinking age was voted down in a conscience vote in 2006.

This year's review will again be subject to a conscience vote.

Last week Kiwiblog, claiming to have been leaked details of the final Law Commission report, said its recommendations included: no sale of liquor at off licences after 10pm; no one allowed to enter bars and nightclubs after 2am; and increasing the drinking age from 18 to 20.

- NZPA