Summarised by Centrist
A March 2025 Talbot Mills survey commissioned by Health Coalition Aotearoa and the Cancer Society suggests widespread public backing for stronger alcohol regulation across New Zealand.
The nationally representative poll of 1,161 adults shows increasing support for measures addressing alcohol affordability, availability, advertising, and policymaking, with many results up sharply from a similar 2023 survey.
Eighty-one percent of respondents supported applying standard age and intoxication checks to online alcohol deliveries, while 76% favoured limiting how many places can sell alcohol in a neighbourhood.
More than half (58%) supported raising the legal purchase age back to 20. On advertising, 80% said alcohol ads should be kept away from children, 68% supported phasing out sports sponsorship, and 62% backed a total advertising and sponsorship ban, up from 34% in 2023.
Fifty-eight percent supported minimum unit pricing for cheap alcohol, up from 42% in 2023. A smaller share – 47% – agreed with a 10% price increase to fund harm prevention and treatment services.
Two-thirds of respondents (66%) supported mandatory cancer warning labels on alcohol products, a question asked for the first time.
The survey also found that 71% believe the alcohol industry should not be involved in shaping national or local policy, compared to 51% in 2023.
The researchers conclude The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 – which currently governs alcohol availability – faces criticism from health experts who say it is no longer fit for purpose and fails to reflect current public attitudes.
