Laws on supplying alcohol to minors
Part of the Crime topic
Understand the law on supplying alcohol to minors in Queensland.
In short
These laws and rules apply to the supply of alcohol to minors (under 18s) in Queensland.
Use these rules to understand:
- the responsibilities of liquor licensees and staff at licensed venues
- when alcohol can be supplied to minors in private places
- penalties for supplying alcohol to minors.
It’s illegal to supply alcohol to minors in Queensland under the Liquor Act 1992, except under specific circumstances in private places. Severe penalties apply for breaking these laws.
You must
To comply with the law in Queensland you must:
- Check identification before allowing minors to enter licensed venues or being served alcohol.
You cannot
To comply with the law in Queensland you cannot:
- Allow minors to enter licensed venues unless exemptions apply.
- Sell or supply alcohol to minors in licensed venues, even during underage or all-ages events.
Exceptions and special circumstances
You can supply alcohol to a minor in a private place if:
- you’re their responsible adult for example, parent, step-parent, or guardian.
- you provide responsible supervision, considering factors such as the minor’s age, level of intoxication, and the amount of alcohol supplied.
Minors can work on licensed premises as long as it doesn’t operate under an adult entertainment permit. The minor must have a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate if they are serving or supplying alcohol.