Alcohol and the law
Alcohol use is legal for those aged 18 years or over. There are laws governing how alcohol may be used. These laws may differ, depending on the state, territory or local area. For example, in some areas local by-laws make it illegal to drink alcohol in public places such as beaches, parks and streets.
Laws relating to persons aged under 18 years differ between states and territories, and depend on where the alcohol is being supplied and consumed. Generally it is not an offence for an under-18 year old to consume alcohol in a private home but, for example, in NSW, you are committing an offence if you supply or buy alcohol for a minor without being authorised to do so by the minor's parents or guardian. Local by-laws may prohibit any alcohol being supplied in public places or hired halls. You need to check your local and state laws.
Legal obligations to address alcohol or other drug issues at work arise through the general ‘duty of care’ provisions that require employers to take all ‘reasonable’ or ‘practicable’ steps to ensure the health and safety of all workers and any other people who may be affected by the undertakings of the employer.
For more information, contact a legal organisation to find out the laws that apply to your state, territory or local area.
For more information, please click on the Australian Drug Foundation's DrugInfo Clearinghouse web site link below.
Last Reviewed: 16 November 2006
