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Alcohol and Crime
Criminal and traffic offences are often linked to alcohol. Much family violence happens because of alcohol. Alcohol also affects the road toll, street crime, and petty dishonesty. It is related to:
60 per cent of all incidents reported to the Police
41 per cent of all fatal motor accidents
77 per cent of street disorder and fighting offences
40 per cent of serious assaults
Research shows that many drunken drivers who kill and maim people in road crashes often also, have a history of criminal and traffic offending.
THE LAW ON LIOUOR
Young people over 18,years can drink liquor in a hotel or restaurant provided it's part of a meal. Then, they don’t have to be with a parent, guardian or adult spouse. Snack foods or a pie are not counted as a meal.
A young person who is over 18 years can buy and drink liquor in a pub or licensed restaurant without having to have a meal, provided they are with a parent, guardian' or adult spouse.
Twenty years is the legal age for drinking alcohol in a pub. At this age there are no restrictions.
A person who is under 18 years of age can drink liquor with a meal in a licensed restaurant so long as they are with a parent, guardian or adult spouse, and also not in a Restricted area.
A person who is under 18 years can go into a night club that offers liquor but it is illegal to serve it to them.
People under 20 years are not allowed to have liquor with them in public places. This means no cans or bottles at outdoor concerts, outside parties or in the street. They are allowed when they are with a parent, guardian, adult caregiver or spouse.
Young people often want to have liquor at dances or parties. This is perfectly legal if the gathering is on private property, they bring their own alcohol or it is supplied free. But it is illegal if the liquor is supplied after payment of an admission fee. This is because the law sees that as being the same as asking people to pay for alcohol.
If someone wants to supply or sell alcohol at an event, they need to apply for a Special Licence from the District Licensing Agency. To get a licence a person has to be over 20.
Someone under 20 years is not allowed to sell or serve liquor. But they can work on licensed premises doing other things, when not in a Restricted area.
Be responsible when serving liquor
On licensed premises it is illegal to serve alcohol to someone who is intoxicated. Licensees, bar staff and managers can be prosecuted. When in doubt, don't serve. Poor management practices, happy hours, free drinks for women, overcrowded premises, lack of entertainment and food, and misuse of bouncers, all contribute to alcohol related offending.
Whether on licensed premises or in a private home, looking after guests is part of being a good host. Make sure they don’t drink too much.
If guests or patrons drink too much, they shouldn’t drive. There is too much at stake, for everybody. They need time to sober up. Arrange for someone to take them home, call a taxi, or let them stay the night.
Reproduced with the kind permission of the New Zealand Police Association
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