Alcohol and the law
It is legal to drink and sell alcohol in Australia, provided certain conditions are met.
Consuming alcohol
- Consumption of alcohol in designated alcohol-free zones is illegal.
- Police can detain a person who is drunk in a public place and behaving in a disorderly way.
- It is illegal for a fully licensed driver to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .05 or over. Learner and provisional drivers must have a blood alcohol concentration of zero.
Selling alcohol
- It is illegal to sell alcohol to a person who is already drunk.
- It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under 18.
- Premises where alcohol is sold must have an appropriate licence. It is also necessary to obtain a licence to serve alcohol at certain events and functions.
People under 18
- People under 18 are not permitted to drink in pubs, clubs or licensed restaurants.
- People under 18 can drink in their own home, or a public place where drinking is legal such as a BYO restaurant, as long as they are supervised by:
- their parent or guardian, or
- another responsible adult with the permission of their parent or guardian.
Useful links
- Alcohol and young people - NSW Police
- Underage drinking - Liquor and Gaming
- Parents supplying alcohol to minors - Liquor & Gaming