MPs open to higher drinking age of 20

If Parliament held a conscience vote today on changing the purchase age of alcohol, it would probably retain the status quo at 18 - although plenty of MPs are open to persuasion.

In 2006, Parliament voted 72-49 to leave the purchase age at 18.

That vote would be 47-32 if the MPs still in the House voted the same as they did then. Most of the 43 other MPs are awaiting the Law Commission's report on Tuesday before deciding where they stand on the issue.

Of those who responded to Herald inquiries, five were in favour of the status quo, five wanted the age raised to 20 or a split age (18 in bars, 20 at supermarkets), and 20 were undecided.

Most said they were still open-minded about the issue.

The purchase age has traditionally been decided as a conscience vote, meaning MPs can vote on their own beliefs, rather than on party lines, although the Greens have voted as a party before.

Details of the report, to be released on Tuesday, were leaked this week, revealing recommendations on how to curb New Zealand's drinking culture.

These included returning the purchase age to 20, a 50 per cent increase in the excise tax on alcohol, and restricting the times when alcohol can be sold in off licences, such as supermarkets.

The Government has six months to respond to the report.

Mangere MP Su'a William Sio said research showed young adults were more mature at 20 than 18.

"As much as possible, it's something they shouldn't have access to at a younger age."

Green MP Kennedy Graham thought 20 was a better age to deal with alcohol physiologically.

He also advocated a blanket ban on driving with any alcohol in the system.

Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson said change was needed "but I'm yet to be convinced that raising the age should be a part of that package".