Legislation is needed to stop adults supplying people under 18 with alcohol at events such as school formal after-parties, a former SA senior judge has recommended as part of a review.

South Australia remains the only state where the secondary supply of liquor to minors is allowed — that is, parents consenting to supply alcohol for their children at private parties — but former justice Tim Anderson wants that to change.

In his licensing review, Mr Anderson recommended legislating to prevent adults supplying liquor to minors, including at residential premises.

School formal after-parties often happen at private premises, such as factories or warehouses, and Mr Anderson is keen they be formally regulated, an idea that has been applauded by Paul Dillon, the director of the organisation Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia.

"It is incredibly important that legislation is introduced, and introduced quickly," he said.

"South Australian parents want the power to turn around to their child and say: 'I can't, it's illegal' and at the moment they can't do that.

"Certainly, I have heard reports in South Australia many times of an ambulance being called to these after-formal events and it really is quite a surprise that we have not seen a death at one of these events because you are talking about very risky behaviour."

Year 12 student Harrison Evans organised his school's after-party in Adelaide recently and said legal implications on parents or event companies could help change heavy drinking behaviour.

"It will definitely minimise it and there won't be as much drinking at the events because of the risks involved," he said.

The SA Government has yet to respond to Mr Anderson's suggestions on secondary supply of alcohol but the current liquor act is to due to face parliamentary review.