Alcohol and the law

What is the legal drinking age?

In Australia, you are able to legally drink alcohol from the age of 18.

Getting other people to buy your drinks when you’re underage

It is illegal for someone under the age of 18 to drink or buy alcohol in most states.

Even getting someone who is over the age of 18 to buy or supply you alcohol in a licensed venue or public place is illegal in most states. You and the person supplying the alcohol could be fined.

Alcohol and driving

It is also illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol. In some states if you are a learner or provisional driver, having any alcohol in your system is illegal. Drink driving puts the driver, passengers, pedestrians and other drivers at serious risk of injury or death. You may not realise it at the time, but alcohol seriously affects your general driving judgement and reaction times.

Losing your license from drink driving or having a criminal record from alcohol-related assault or violence will impact your life more than you think. It can limit job opportunities in the future, potentially international travel and impact your relationships with friends and family.

Other legal risks from alcohol

Excessive drinking can lead to alcohol-related violence and assault, and could lead to a criminal record or fines for those persons found guilty of an offence.

In some places in Australia, it is an offence to drink alcohol in public spaces.

Different State and Territory laws

The laws regarding underage drinking and the supply of alcohol to underage drinkers may vary.

Links to information on the laws affecting young people and alcohol in the various State and Territory can be found below.

NSW

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/alcohol/key_issues/drinking_and_the_law

Victoria

http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/CA256EB5000644CE/page/Liquor-Liquor+%26+the+Community-Liquor+%26+Young+People?OpenDocument&1=75-Liquor~&2=080-Liquor+%26+the+Community~&3=060-Liquor+%26+Young+People~

South Australia

http://www.dassa.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=124

Western Australia

http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Travel_Info/Important_Travel_Tips/Pages/Alcohol_Laws_in_Western_Australia.aspx

Northern Territory

http://www.nt.gov.au/justice/licenreg/liquor.shtml

Tasmania

http://www.police.tas.gov.au/security_and_safety/information_for_visitors

Further information

Check out the other fact sheets on Alcohol, Low Risk Drinking and Binge Drinking.

You may also want to visit www.drinkingnightmare.gov.au and click on the ‘Need Help?’ link for a list of useful numbers and contacts.