Teenagers are finding it more difficult to buy alcohol since the 18 age limit was slapped on sales last year, according to new health ministry research.

Just 1% of 14 and 15-year-olds report being able to buy alcohol in shops and bars, compared with 9% in the previous survey, which took place in 2011. And just 10% of 16 and 17-year-olds buy drink, down from 78% three years ago.

Nevertheless, 16% of 14 to 15-year-olds and 54% of 16 and 17-year-olds told researchers they had drunk alcohol in the previous month.  In 41% of cases it was bought for them buy their parents, the survey showed.

Junior health minister Martin van Rijn said in a reaction he is pleased that youngsters are finding it harder to buy alcohol. The fact older friends and parents are willing to supply young teenagers with drink is confirmation that society still has to fully accept the change, he said.

In May, the government’s fine collection agency reported almost 600 teenagers under the age of 18 had been fined for possessing or drinking alcohol since the ban was introduced in January 2014. Youngsters aged 16 and 17 can be fined up to €90 if caught.

Earlier this year, a group of eight 17-year-olds were able to buy 850 litres of beer, wine and spirits as part of a University of Twente experiment to test the new laws on the sale of alcohol.

The teenagers bought the drink over a four-day period and were only refused in one in 10 attempts, the Telegraaf reported at the time.