The ease of which alcohol can be ordered online without ID checks and delivered within minutes is causing concern for most New Zealanders, according to a new survey from Health Coalition Aotearoa.
New Zealand law does not require proof of age identification at the point of online purchase, or the delivery of alcohol. The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act states that so-called remote sellers - internet, phone, or mail order vendors - should take `reasonable steps to verify age.
Regulatory guidance suggests reasonable procedures includes, for internet sales, a person ticking an onscreen box saying they are 18 over when first entering the site, and again just before purchasing. Three-quarters of alcohol deliveries to Auckland homes were being left unattended on doorsteps or being made without checking IDs, according to NZ Medical Journal research published last year - and found alcohol could be delivered within minutes.
A new survey by Talbot Mills for Health Coalition Aotearoa, finds 81% of New Zealanders believe said online alcohol deliveries should have to follow the same checks as bars and stores. Steve Randerson, co-chair of the Health Coalition Aotearoa Alcohol Expert Panel, joins Kathryn.
Person taking wine bottle out of box. Photo: 123rf / Rushay Booysen @rushay
