More than three-quarters of New Zealanders want the minimum buying age for alcohol raised, a new poll shows.
The Herald DigiPoll was undertaken as the Alcohol Reform Bill goes through Parliament, in which MPs will make a conscience vote on whether to keep the purchase age at 18, increase it to 20, or increase it to 20 for off-licensed retailers but keep it at 18 for bars and restaurants.
Of those surveyed 54.4 per cent want the purchasing age raised from 18 to 20 at all premises, while 25 per cent wanted it raised to 20 for off-licences only.
Keeping the age at 18 was supported by just 19.4 per cent of respondents.
MPs surveyed by the New Zealand Herald in May were divided on the drinking age. Keeping the age at 18 had the most support, but many were considering the split age option.
Introducing a minimum price for alcohol, which Justice Minister Judith Collins has asked her ministry to research, did not carry the same support.
The poll showed 56.5 per cent of people opposed a minimum price, with 40.6 per cent supporting it.
NZ Drug Foundation executive director Ross Bell told the New Zealand Herald the result on the minimum price was pretty good.
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