U-20 drinkers banned

A bar in Taupo has banned teenagers from its premises, despite it being legal for those aged 18 and over to drink there.

The drinking age has been the subject of debate this year, with the Sale of Liquor (Youth Alcohol Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill seeking to raise the minimum purchase age from 18 to 20 years.

Gerald Morunga, bar manager of The Clubhouse, said feedback on the ban on 18 and 19-year-olds had so far been fantastic.

"More mature clientele don't want to go where there are kids making absolute idiots of themselves."