Supplying alcohol to under-18s on private premises in the ACT without parental permission and responsible supervision could lead to a fine of $3000 from today.
Parents are not exempt and could face the same fines if they supply alcohol to their children in an irresponsible manner.
ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell said a new set of secondary supply of alcohol offences addressed a gap regarding the supply of liquor to people under 18 years old.
“It is already an offence to supply liquor to children and young people on licensed premises and in public places,” Mr Corbell said.
“These new laws, which have come into effect today, strengthen the role of parents in making decisions in relation to their children and managing their alcohol consumption.
“It is now an offence for another person to supply liquor to a child or young person, at a private place, unless they have permission to do so from a parent or guardian. The supply must also be consistent with responsible supervision of the child or young person.”
The Liquor Act 2010 identifies factors relevant to establish whether the supply of alcohol by a parent or guardian is responsible.
“These factors include the age of the child, the quantity and type of alcohol involved, and whether the child is consuming food with the alcohol,” Mr Corbell said.
“Under the Act, supply to an intoxicated minor, whether or not by a parent, is not consistent with responsible supervision.”
The Attorney-General said that consumption of alcohol by children and young people was known to be associated with a range of health and social harms, both short-term and long-term.
“In particular, research has shown that alcohol consumption by children and young people may adversely affect brain development and lead to alcohol-related problems in later life.
“The Government has provided a range of material to liquor retail outlets and other stakeholders to raise community awareness about the new offences, which attract a maximum fine of $3000.”
To find out more about the new offences, visit www.justice.act.gov.au/supply-of-alcohol-to-minors