That is posed in a discussion paper released as part of a NSW parliamentary inquiry exploring ways to reduce alcohol abuse among the state's young people.

So far, the committee has held a number of public hearings and received more than 50 submissions, including a number from the Illawarra.

Community services sector advocacy group the Illawarra Forum held a consultation on the issue of youth and alcohol abuse with members prior to making its submission.

Forum chief executive Nicky Sloan said there had been a great deal of discussion surrounding community knowledge of the laws and the amount of confusion and misinformation circulating about supplying alcohol to children.

According to NSW law, it is not illegal for parents or guardians to provide alcohol to a minor and parents can authorise another adult to provide alcohol to their child.

Ms Sloan said a widespread advertising campaign would be the first logical step to raising greater awareness about the laws and penalties.

"We thought focusing on an awareness-raising campaign first would be far more effective than going straight to punitive actions," she said.

One suggestion put forward in the discussion paper was the issue of parental permission and whether a written note could be an acceptable method of consenting to another adult supplying your child with alcohol. 

Ms Sloan said in order to work effectively, the legislation would have to be specific about what information the letter contained, such as the amounts and types of alcohol the parent allowed.

"It could get really quite complicated," she said.

"I think whatever legislation came in, it would have to stipulate all the sorts of things that need to be on that letter of permission, and that's a lot of responsibility for someone else's parents."

Although the paper specifically addressed youth drinking, Ms Sloan said it could not be looked at in isolation but rather as part of a wider debate about the use of alcohol in Australia and the ways and means it is marketed.

Community groups and members of the public were encouraged to read the discussion paper and have their say before July 15.

The paper is available by contacting the committee at socialpolicy@parliament.nsw.gov.au.