Alcohol & parents

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Alcohol & the Law for U/18s

In Australia, there are laws for persons under the age of 18 with regard to alcohol. Each State has separate laws regarding the selling, buying and consuming of alcohol, however there is a similar sentiment in each piece of legislation. The Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 outlines the laws about alcohol for Victoria.

It is illegal for a person under the age of 18 to be supplied with alcohol, unless:

• it is supplied to them to have with their meal by either their parent, guardian or spouse who is of or over 18 years; or
• it is supplied to them in a private home.

Therefore, it is not illegal for a young person to be supplied with alcohol in a private home or for them to drink alcohol in a private home. This is regardless of whether it is their home or someone else’s home. However, it is illegal for a person under the age of 18 to be found in possession of, or drinking alcohol in a public place or to be found entering and remaining on a premises that supplies alcohol. People under the age of 18 are only permitted in a licensed premises if they are:

• attending an underage function approved by the Director of Liquor Licensing;
• with a responsible adult who is over 18 years;
• residing at the licensed premises;
• engaged in a training program in hospitality or training for the purposes of employment or work experience; or
• unaccompanied, in a licensed restaurant during ordinary trading hours (7am to 11pm).

If a person under the age of 18 is found to be breaking any of the laws outlined above, they can be fined in excess of $500.

If a licensee supplies alcohol to a person under the age of 18, they can be fined in excess of $6000. If an adult supplies alcohol to a person under the age of 18, they can be fined in excess of $6000.

If you would like to read more of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 then go to:

Australasian Legal Information Institute - www.austlii.edu.au

For information on the requirements of licensed premises and the responsible serving of alcohol, visit:

Consumer Affairs Victoria - Liquor Licensing - www.consumer.vic.gov.au

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