Drinking in public

Laws around the consumption of alcohol in public places are designed to give the Police powers to uphold public safety and minimise violence or other criminal behaviours.

For people over 18 years of age drinking in public is legal unless there is an Alcohol Ban in place. Under a liquor ban, police the power to search a person for alcohol and confiscate any found. Anyone knowingly disobeying a ban and found to be drinking in public face fines if they do not leave the area, cease drinking and discard any alcohol they are carrying by tipping it out.

For people under 18 years of age it is illegal to drink or carry alcohol in a public place, unless they are with their parent or guardian. Breaking this law entails an infringement fee of $200 or a fine of up to $300. The police can also confiscate the alcohol. It is legal for parents or guardians to allow teenagers to drink at home or at private gatherings.