Adults supplying liquor to underage people in residences could be open to prosecution or fines after changes to the Victorian liquor supply laws took effect.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Individuals violating of the Liquor Supply Act can be fined up to $1,934.
The changes which took effect on Thursday further limit situations where alcohol can be supplied to minors.
Adults serving alcohol in a residence are now required not only to have permission from the minor’s legal guardian, but to be able to demonstrate “responsible supervision” of the service.
Bendigo Lawyer Luke Docherty said it appears adults could be more vulnerable to prosecution for supplying liquor to minors under the changes, if they could not demonstrate responsible supervision.
Mr Docherty said “responsible supervision” could encompass a range of factors.
These might include the age of the people who are being supplied with alcohol, whether or not the adult supplying it is intoxicated themselves, whether there is food available, the type and amount of alcohol available, and whether the minor is intoxicated as a result.
Where previously adults could supply alcohol to a person under the age of 18 where that person’s parent, guardian or adult-spouse gave permission, the onus was now stronger on adults to make sure the alcohol is supplied appropriately.
"It would be a lot easier now to be prosecuted,” Mr Docherty said.
“It exposes or imposes a obligation on the person supplying the alcohol to properly supervise it.”
Greater Bendigo Local Area Commander Inspector Shane Brundell said police would enforce changes to the Liquor Control Reform Act.
He said Victoria Police had discretion in how they respond to breaches of the law, which includes issuing a fine, warning, or charging persons involved.
Adults who break the law and cannot demonstrate responsible supervisions could be charged 120 penalty units or a fine of up to $1,934.
Inspector Brundell reminded the public about the dangers of underage drinking.
“We encourage parents to have open, frank conversations around the risks involved in young people consuming alcohol,” he said.
“We also want parents to know they are responsible for what they supply to minors in their home.”
Mr Docherty said misuse of alcohol was a big contributor towards people finding themselves before the courts.
“It’s a prominent contributing factor to people committing offences, and has been for a long long time,” he said.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.