Patterns of social supply of alcohol over time in New Zealand

In New Zealand, adolescents under the minimum purchase age (18 years) are commonly supplied alcohol via social sources including parents/guardians, friends and others (social supply). This report presents findings from analysis of two national surveys (in 2013 and 2015) undertaken to better understand the patterns of social supply in New Zealand and to assess early impacts of a law change on social supply (through the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012).

The report found that sons and daughters were most commonly supplied to, followed by friends, but friends were supplied on average greater quantities of alcohol. There was evidence of some early impacts of the law change. A small decrease in the frequency of social supply was found. Friends were less commonly supplied to, were supplied with fewer drinks and there was a tendency for greater supervision of social supply to friends (and to other relatives).