Supplying alcohol to minors
Part of the Crime topic
Understand what supplying alcohol to minors is, and what you must do and cannot do to follow the law in Queensland.
In short
Supplying alcohol to minors is giving alcohol to a person under the age of 18. It is illegal to supply alcohol to minors in Queensland, except under specific circumstances in private places.
Liquor licensees and their staff can be prosecuted and fined:
- up to $16,690 (current from 1 July 2025) if a non-exempt minor is found on licensed premises
- up to $83,450 for a licensee and $13,352 for a bar attendant (current from 1 July 2025) if they supply alcohol to a minor on licensed premises.
In a private place, you could face court and be fined up to $13,352 (current from 1 July 2025) for supplying alcohol to a minor if you're not their responsible adult and providing responsible supervision.
These crimes are defined in the Liquor Act 1992.
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.