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.
Alcohol in New Zealand
The most significant piece of alcohol legislation introduced in New Zealand was the "six o'clock swill" in 1917. Intended to only be a temporary wartime measure through the remainder of World War One, this new law required all hotel bars to close at 6 pm nightly (and all day Sunday).