Experiences with alcohol consumption culture and environments

In 2013/14, 20% of New Zealanders aged 15 years or more who drank alcohol in the past year reported a potentially hazardous alcohol consumption pattern.

Individual behaviour can be affected by environmental and peer influences including offers of alcohol, modeling of heavy drinking behaviour and perceived social norms.

People’s perceptions of the acceptability and prevalence of risky drinking patterns may influence their own drinking intentions and behaviour. Perceptions of drinking environments can also impact on people’s wellbeing and sense of personal safety. This fact sheet reports New Zealanders’ impressions regarding social behaviour and pressures in drinking environments.