Nearly 75 percent of 18-19 year- olds breath-tested as they left on-license premises were too drunk to drive, according to a New Zealand survey revealed Tuesday.

The first such survey of young drinkers leaving on-licensed premises examined the drinking habits of 18 to 25 year-olds with some sobering results.

Of those aged 20-24 years, 42 percent were also over the legal limit, according to the survey.

The survey indicated that 18-19 year-olds were the heaviest drinkers, followed by 20-24 year olds.

Over 40 percent of survey participants said they were moderately intoxicated and about 8 percent were extremely drunk.

The average number of drinks that participants reported consuming over the night was around nine standard drinks, with 37 percent reporting they would go on to drink more alcohol than they had consumed at the time they were surveyed.

The Exit Breath Survey 2005 was carried out for the Regional Alcohol project, a group of public agencies working to reduce alcohol-related harm in Auckland.

Project spokeswoman Rebecca Williams said the survey results suggested those with licenses may not be complying with the Sale of Liquor Act provisions that require them to refuse entry to intoxicated people and to refuse them service.

"The findings of the survey give support to the efforts of police, health and district licensing agencies to target intoxication issues and clearly indicate that reducing drinking and driving must also remain a high priority," said she.

Source: Xinhua