An alcohol health group is welcoming the news three people have been charged with supplying alcohol to a nine-year-old boy who was filmed drunk at a Hamilton skate park.
The video of the boy struggling to speak or stand while holding a can of pre-mixed bourbon and cola provoked outrage when it was posted on YouTube last week.
Two men aged 20 and 27, and 25-year-old woman have each been charged with supplying alcohol to a minor under the Sale and Supply of Liquor Act. If convicted, they could be fined up to $2000.
Hamilton-based Labour MP Sue Moroney said several people in the city have told her the maximum fine for the charge is not harsh enough.
But Alcohol Healthwatch says the size of the penalty is less important than being able to hold people accountable for their actions.
Director Rebecca Williams said it will the first time the legislation has been able to be applied so will be an interesting test case.
Those charged will appear in the Hamilton District Court on 28 January.
