Drinking age 'must be strictly enforced'

The Medical Association has called for the strict enforcement of the legal drinking age over the festive season.

NZMA chairman Dr Ross Boswell said there had been growing concern about the harm to teenagers from alcohol since the legal drinking age was lowered to 18.

"Binge drinking is a serious problem for young New Zealanders, and each year during the holiday break we see more reports of drunken teens who are out of control," he said.

Bar owners and staff should carefully check the ID of young people and vigilantly enforce the drinking age, he said.

"Drunkenness makes young people more vulnerable to sexual and physical assault and there is a terrible toll among them from vehicle crashes associated with drunk driving.

"There is much anecdotal evidence to show that the under-18s are gaining access to large amounts of alcohol. Doctors are treating 13 and 14-year-olds who are suffering from drunkenness and its consequences.

"We would urge parents and others not to supply alcohol to young teenagers unless they are under responsible and moderate family supervision."

More effort was needed to protect youngsters from the harmful effects of alcohol.

- NZPA