Alcohol
Purchasing age – In New Zealand, the legal age of purchasing alcohol is 18.
Drinking age – There isn’t a specific age for drinking alcohol, but with the purchasing minimum being 18, it might as well be so. Though, anyone under 18 drinking in private would remain unknown and is counted as legal.
Drinking at a party – You would need permission from your parents or caregivers in order to drink if you are under 18. It will be considered legal drinking if permitted.
What will a shopkeeper be charged for if they sell u18s alcohol?
A fine that can lead up to several thousand dollars. With this, this can also affect their business badly.
Marijuana
Possession to have: Illegal or legal?
Distribution/Deal: Illegal or legal?
Cultivation/Grow: Illegal or legal?
What will the fine and/or jail time be if you…
Get caught with a small amount of weed on you?: For possession, it will be a 500$ fine. Repetition or larger amounts can lead to increasing fines or up to three months jail time.
Get caught selling/dealing with it?: Seven years or longer jail time.
Get caught growing it?: Getting caught can be considered, depending on the amount of plants there are, it will result in seven year jail time or longer.
Cigarettes
Purchasing age: The legal age for purchasing cigarettes is 18 years old.
If a shop sells cigarettes to someone under the legal age, the shop can get a big fine. They usually don’t go to jail for this, but they can get into more serious consequences if continued.
Vaping
Purchasing age: The legal age for purchasing vapes is 18 years old.
If a person sells vapes to someone under the legal age, they can be fined up to 10,000$.
Methamphetamine
Purchasing age: It is illegal for anyone, including U18s.
Illegal uses: Possessing, using, selling, dealing or growing meth is illegal.
Consequence: Caught with meth: Fines can be up to 25,000$ and jail time can be several years depending on the amount. Selling or dealing can include fines up to 500,000$ and prison time up to 14 years or more. Producing can also lead to heavy fines and longer jail time.