Epidemiology of binge drinking
Concerns over binge drinking by teenagers has led to a review of liquor advertising being announced by the New Zealand government in January 2006. The review considered regulation of sport sponsorship by liquor companies, which at present is commonplace. Previously the drinking age in New Zealand was 20, then dropped to 18 in 1999.
Target (New Zealand TV series)
In these trials often young actors under the age of 18 are sent into a store to purchase an item restricted to persons aged 18 or over, such as cigarettes, pornographic material and alcohol. The actor is given an expired EFTPOS card or less change than required to purchase the item, so they do not purchase the items in question. This is largely done to prevent Target from being sued by retailers in relation to a prosecution stemming the hidden camera trial, and in alcohol trials also prevents the actor being liable for prosecution (under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, a person under 18 who purchases alcohol is liable for a fine up to $2000.)