New legislation tackles alcohol-related harm

1 April 2011

New legislation has been introduced into Parliament banning adults from supplying alcohol to a minor in a private home unless parental consent is given, restoring the decision-making power to parents.

Legislation introduced into Parliament will amend the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, changing the way people under 18 years of age obtain access to alcohol in private residences.

The change would hand back control to parents and open the discussion of alcohol consumption between parents and their children.

Under the new legislation, the police will have the power to investigate and follow up where there is evidence a child has been placed at risk as a result of the supply of alcohol without consent.

The legislation would be supported by a comprehensive information and education campaign, providing young people and the broader community with a greater understanding of both the new law and issues associated with underage drinking.

The Victorian Drug and Alcohol Prevention Councils’ 2009 Victorian Youth Alcohol and Drug Survey found of the 15 and 16 year-olds surveyed, 31 per cent had consumed 20 or more standard drinks on any one day in the previous 12 months.

Sixty-one per cent of the young people surveyed had obtained alcohol from a friend or acquaintance and 45 per cent obtained alcohol from their parents.

Under the current law, it is an offence for any person to supply liquor to a person under the age of 18. The current act provides an exception to this that means an adult may legally supply liquor to a minor in a private home, including at events such as private parties.

The new Bill addresses this issue by prohibiting the supply of liquor to a minor in a private residence unless a parent, guardian or spouse over the age of 18 provides it; or the supplier has obtained the consent of the child’s parent, guardian or spouse over the age of 18.

The laws are intended to provide scope for prosecution where liquor has been irresponsibly provided to a minor in a way that may lead to harm.

Further information

For more information, visit the department’s alcohol and under 18s website.