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.
Identity document
Legal forms of identification are used mainly for buying alcohol and cigarettes where the purchaser looks younger than 25 and entry to nightclubs. They can also be required for the purchase of spray paint and glues, and for some government and bank transactions. Forms of legal identification are New Zealand and overseas passports, New Zealand Driving Licences and 18+ cards from the Hospitality Association of New Zealand. Overseas driver's licenses may not be sufficient for the purchase of alcohol and tobacco. Firearms licences are a form of photo identification issued by the New Zealand Police.