This information on parental obligations regarding minors and alcohol has been supplied to us by Liquor Control Victoria.
Teenagers who abuse alcohol can experience issues with brain development, affecting areas associated with attention, memory and decision making. It can also lead to mental health problems, including depression, suicide, and self-harm.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their teenager’s attitudes and behaviours toward alcohol. As a parent, it’s important to know Victoria’s liquor rules and have honest conversations with your teenager about the dangers of underage drinking. Providing alcohol to any underage person is not a responsible or safe choice.
Legal drinking age and IDs
The legal drinking age in Victoria is 18.
Fake IDs have become common among teenagers who want to buy alcohol or gain entry to bars and clubs.
Using a fake ID is illegal and can have serious consequences. Penalties include fines of more than $3,500 for making fake ID cards or passing on a fake ID to another person.
Drinking alcohol on licensed premises
Since 2018, teenagers cannot drink alcohol on licensed premises under any circumstances. Prior to this, a teenager could drink alcohol in restaurants or pubs if they were having a meal and they were accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Restaurant staff have the authority to refuse the sale of alcohol if they suspect a parent may offer a teenager the alcoholic beverage.
Drinking alcohol at a friend’s home
The supply of alcohol to a teenager in a private home without the consent of the teenager’s parent or legal guardian is prohibited under Victorian law and carries a maximum penalty of more than $22,000.
This ensures parents and legal guardians are aware if their teenager is supplied alcohol in someone else’s home. Parents can give written or verbal consent to the adult supplying the alcohol, who must exercise responsible supervision.
More information
- For more information about the liquor rules and regulations for minors in Victoria, visit the
Liquor Control Victoria website. - For useful tips on talking with your teenager about alcohol, visit the DrinkWise website.
