Minors And Non-Alcoholic Beer: What's The Law In New Zealand?

In New Zealand, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. If you are under 18, you cannot buy alcohol, but you can drink it with your parent or legal guardian if they allow you to. If you are under 18 years old and not with a legal parent or guardian, you cannot drink in a public space, go into pubs and bars, buy alcohol, or have an adult buy it for you.

Minors can drink non-alcoholic beer in NZ with parental permission

In New Zealand, the legal drinking age is 18. If you are under 18, there are certain places where you may be able to drink alcohol, depending on whether you are in a designated or undesignated area.

Designated premises

Designated premises are divided into restricted areas and supervised areas. Restricted areas are off-limits to those under 18. Supervised areas, such as pubs, restaurants, or family lounges, can be entered by minors if they are with their parent or legal guardian. However, minors are not allowed to buy alcohol in supervised areas.

Undesignated areas

Undesignated areas refer to places where alcohol is sold but are not designated premises, such as supermarkets. In these areas, you can be of any age and do not need to have an adult with you.

Minors drinking with parental permission

If you are under 18 and with a legal parent or guardian, you can drink alcohol in a supervised area where meals are served, as long as the alcohol is provided by your parent or guardian. This does not apply to other family members such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, older siblings, spouses, or partners.

If you are under 18 and not with a legal parent or guardian, you cannot drink in a public space, enter pubs or bars, buy alcohol, or have an adult buy it for you.

Minors can drink non-alcoholic beer in a private home with parental consent

In New Zealand, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. If you are under 18, you cannot buy alcohol, but you may be able to drink it in certain situations. If you are under 18 and in a private home, you can drink alcohol as long as your parent or legal guardian has given consent and the alcohol is supplied in a safe and responsible manner.

It is important to note that the term "legal guardian" refers specifically to someone who has been appointed by the Court and does not include other family members such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, older siblings, spouses, or partners. If a minor is found drinking in a public place without being accompanied by a parent or guardian, they are breaking the law.

In addition, it is illegal for anyone to supply a minor with alcohol unless they are the minor's parent or legal guardian. This includes buying alcohol on behalf of a minor or allowing them to drink alcohol that you have supplied. Breaking this law can result in a fine of up to $2,000.

The police can take a minor who is drunk in a public place or trespassing on private property into custody and either take them home or to a shelter if they are deemed to be at risk of harming themselves, others, or property. The police must release the minor as soon as they are no longer drunk and cannot keep them in custody for longer than 12 hours.

While non-alcoholic beer contains little to no alcohol, it is not entirely alcohol-free and can still contain up to 0.5% ABV. In New Zealand, the laws regarding the purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic beer by minors are not explicitly stated and may vary depending on the specific context and location. It is important to check local regulations and retailer policies before attempting to purchase or consume non-alcoholic beverages as a minor.

Minors can drink non-alcoholic beer in a supervised area with a parent

In New Zealand, the legal drinking age is 18. If you are under 18, there are certain places where you may be able to drink alcohol. These places are known as 'designated premises', which are either 'restricted areas' or 'supervised areas'.

If you are under 18 years old, you cannot enter a restricted area of any licensed premises. However, you can enter a supervised area, such as a pub, restaurant, or family lounge, but only if you are accompanied by your parent or legal guardian. It is important to note that this does not include other family members such as siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or spouses.

In a supervised area, minors can drink alcohol if it is provided by their parent or guardian. This means that if you are a minor, you can drink non-alcoholic beer in a supervised area as long as you are with your parent or legal guardian and they supply the drink to you.

It is worth noting that the laws surrounding alcohol consumption and purchase can vary from country to country, and even within different states or regions within a country. It is always important to be aware of and abide by the local laws and regulations regarding alcohol.

Minors can't buy non-alcoholic beer in a supervised area

In New Zealand, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. If you are under 18, there are strict rules about where you can drink alcohol, and who you can drink it with.

If you are under 18, you cannot buy alcohol in a supervised area, even if you are with your parent or guardian. A supervised area is a pub, a restaurant, or a family lounge. If you are under 18, you can only drink alcohol in a supervised area if your parent or legal guardian provides it for you.

It is important to note that a 'legal guardian' is someone who has been appointed by the Court, and does not include other family members such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, older siblings, spouses, or partners.

If you are under 18 and not with a legal parent or guardian, you cannot drink in a public space, go into pubs and bars, buy alcohol, or have an adult buy it for you.

Minors can't enter a restricted area of licensed premises

In New Zealand, minors (those under 18) are not allowed to enter a restricted area of licensed premises. Licensed premises are divided into "designated premises" and "undesignated premises". Most places where alcohol is sold, including pubs and bars, are designated premises, which are further divided into restricted areas and supervised areas.

Restricted areas are off-limits to minors, even if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Minors are also not allowed to buy alcohol in supervised areas, although they may be allowed to enter these areas and consume alcohol if they are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, who must supply the alcohol.

The legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18, and anyone aged 18 or over can enter licensed premises and buy alcohol, provided they can show valid proof of age. Acceptable forms of ID include a current New Zealand driver's licence, a Hospitality NZ 18+ Card, a Kiwi Access Card, or a passport.

It is important to note that the laws regarding the sale and supply of alcohol in New Zealand are outlined in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, which aims to ensure the safe and responsible sale, supply, and consumption of alcohol, as well as minimise harm caused by excessive or inappropriate alcohol use.

Frequently asked questions