Alcohol and young people

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Alcohol and the Law

In Australia, there are laws regarding under 18s and alcohol. Each State has separate laws regarding the selling, buying and consumption 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.

If you are under 18, it is illegal for you to buy or be supplied with alcohol, unless:

• it is bought for you to have with your meal by either your partner, who is over 18, or by your parent or guardian; or
• it is supplied to you in a private home.

If you are under 18, it is also illegal to for you to be found in possession of, or drinking alcohol in a public place or to be found entering and remaining on a premises that sells alcohol. You are only permitted to be in a licensed premises if you are:

• attending an approved underage function;
• accompanying a responsible adult who is over 18 years;
• residing at the licensed premises;
• engaging 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 you are found to be breaking any of the laws just outlined, you could be fined up to $500.

If a licensee or manager of a licensed premises sells or supplies alcohol to you, they could be fined $6000.

If you would like to have a closer read 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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