The law states that express consent is required from a parent/guardian before alcohol can be supplied to someone under 18 years of age.
Express consent might be in the form of a personal conversation, email or a text message.
Any alcohol must be supplied in a responsible manner. When considering whether alcohol was supplied in a responsible manner, the court may take into account the following (read the Law here):
- the steps taken by the supplier to supervise the consumption of alcohol:
- whether food was provided with the alcohol:
- whether a choice of low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages, or both, was offered:
- the nature of the occasion:
- any arrangements for, or provision of, safe transport:
- the time period over which the alcohol was supplied:
- the strength and volume of the alcohol supplied:
- the age of the minor:
- any other matter it thinks relevant in the particular circumstances
If a young person does drink, it should never exceed New Zealand's adult guidelines of 4 standard drinks for females, and 5 standard drinks for males.
Remember - there is a zero alcohol limit for anyone driving under the age of 20 years.
The Health Promotion Agency has some useful Tips for Party Hosts.