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Introduction: Pre‐drinking behaviour has grown in prevalence and generates harm for pre‐drinkers and others. In this article, we answer three research questions: (i) Where and when do pre‐drinkers obtain their alcohol?; (ii) What is the difference in the level of intoxication of pre‐drinkers versus non‐pre‐drinkers, and how does this difference vary over the course of a night?; and (iii) Is the level of intoxication of pre‐drinkers related to where and when they obtain their alcohol? Methods: We obtained data from 469 respondents using a street‐intercept survey conducted in Hamilton, New Zealand in 2019. Data were analysed by cross‐tabulation, linear regression and plotting the average intoxication level in the night‐time economy over time. Results: The majority of pre‐drinkers purchase their alcohol for pre‐drinking on the day of consumption. Half of the same‐day purchasers purchase before 6 pm. The average level of intoxication increases over the course of the night, and is unambiguously higher for pre‐drinkers than non‐pre‐drinkers. The level of intoxication does not differ based on the source or timing of pre‐drinking purchases. The main motivation for pre‐drinking was price, especially among women. Discussion and Conclusions: Pre‐drinking is a contributor to intoxication in the night‐time economy, but most drinkers purchase their alcohol for pre‐drinking before 7 pm. Further research is required to understand whether trading hours restrictions for off‐premises alcohol suppliers will affect the most harmful drinking patterns. Price interventions to reduce the price differential between on‐licenced and off‐licence alcohol outlets offer the greatest potential to reduce pre‐drinking and associated harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses a 2012 report by anthropologist Anne Fox, commissioned by the alcohol producer Lion Pty Limited, which suggests that alcohol consumption is not responsible for violence and anti-social behavior in night-time economies in New Zealand and Australia. Topics include Fox's suggestion that culture versus alcohol consumption determines behavior, Dr. Fox's failure to obtain ethics committee approval for the study, and Fox's recommendation of life-skills training and parent education.