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  6. 2. What does the law say

2. What does the law say

Our alcohol laws state that:

To buy alcohol:

  • You must be 18 years or over. This is called the Minimum Legal Purchase Age. New Zealand does not have a legal age for drinking, unlike the United States.
  • If a young person under the age of 18 was to buy alcohol, they could face a fine of up to $2000.

To supply alcohol:

  • ​By law, only parents or legal guardians can supply alcohol to those under 18 years of age.

Others are permitted to supply alcohol to young people ONLY if they have the express consent of the young person’s parent/guardian. Visit Alcohol supplied by others for more information.