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Serving alcohol to people under 18 – new law
Date : 01 Nov 2011
From 1 November, 2011 it will be an offence to serve alcohol to a person under 18 in a private home without permission from the parent, guardian or adult spouse of the young person.
The law already says that it is an offence to serve alcohol to a person under 18 years old, unless the alcohol was served in a private residence. The change removes this exemption unless consent is given by the parents.
If parents are organising parties for their under 18s it is probably best to get this permission in writing. This may also affect young adults who have guests who are under 18 in their homes.
Defence
It is a defence if the person can prove that they had seen a document as evidence of the person's age at the time of the offence.
Penalty
The maximum penalty for this offence is 60 penalty units. See ‘Penalty and fee units’ page below.
More information
Related websites
Responsible alcohol Victoria – Young people and alcohol
Better Health Channel – Partying safely: tips for parents
Related pages
Related legislation
These changes are made to the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (Vic) by the Liquor Control Reform Amendment Act 2011 (Vic).
Publications
This new law may affect information in the following Victoria Legal Aid publications:
- Am I old enough?
- What’s the deal? A kit to educate young people about legal issues.