My DS is 13, and it's not an issue yet, but I've said I'll reconsider when he's 14. I used to go to Mardi Gras, Panama Jax and Tin Pan Alley when I was under age, but that was a LONG time ago!!
I passed the queue of "unders" in Queen St a couple of weeks ago - the girls looked like they were 21 and the boys looked like they were 12. I wasn't sure what age they were aimed at, but I think it must be about 14 and above.
I thought that collecting him would be a no-no - I just needed you lot to confirm that it wouldn't be a good idea even to suggest it.
I wont't let him go to Buch St bus station to come home - that's how I get home from work, and even at 8.30 - 9pm, it can be a frightening. I'm happy for him to get the train from QS tho. There seem to be more "official" adults at train stations than bus stations.
I do trust DS - he is incredibly sensible, but looks like a 18 or 19 year old, which isn't always a good thing. I'm glad to hear that clubs have got stricter re alcohol. I guess they won't do anything to put their licence at risk.
Sometimes I think it would be nice to live on a very small island with your teenagers - at least you'd know where they were and who they were with.