13 Dec Keeping Minors Safe This Holiday Season: Curfews, Parties, and Alcohol Laws

The holiday season is a time of joy, gatherings, and festivities. For parents of teenagers, however, it can also bring a few sleepless nights! With school holidays, end-of-year parties, and New Year’s Eve around the corner, keeping young people safe—and keeping yourself on the right side of the law—can require a bit of planning.

At FEDOROV Family Lawyers, we understand that parents want to celebrate without the worry of potential legal trouble, so here’s our guide to navigating curfews, parties, and alcohol laws for minors in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD) this season.

Curfews and House Parties: What Are the Rules?

While there are no state-mandated curfews for minors in NSW or QLD, some local councils may impose temporary curfews if safety concerns arise during major holiday events. It’s also good to remember that in cases of repeated unruly behaviour, the police can take minors home or contact their guardians if they’re out late and involved in risky activities. Parents may also be held accountable if their child is regularly found in situations that breach curfew rules or disturb public peace.

As for house parties, hosting teens at home might seem like a safer option, but it brings its own set of responsibilities. In QLD, under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act, law enforcement has the power to intervene if a gathering gets out of control, potentially issuing fines to hosts. Hosting a party? Lay down the ground rules early: set an end time, limit invitees, and keep an eye on the guest list to prevent gate crashers. If things get out of hand, don’t hesitate to call the police to help manage the situation.

Alcohol Laws: The Festive (and Fuzzy) Line Between Legal and Liability

In both NSW and QLD, minors drinking alcohol can lead to serious consequences—not only for them but for the adults around them. Here’s the lowdown:

New South Wales
In NSW, supplying alcohol to minors is generally illegal unless you’re the minor’s parent or guardian. The law is very clear: under the Liquor Act 2007 (NSW), supplying alcohol to anyone under 18 at a private gathering is only allowed if you’re their parent or if you have their parent’s permission. For everyone else, supplying alcohol to minors can result in hefty fines or even criminal charges.

This means that if you’re hosting a party, it’s wise to know exactly who’s on your premises and to ensure that under-18s don’t have access to alcohol unless they’re with their parents. For example, if your teenager’s friend has a drink with their parent’s permission, it may be allowed—however, if other kids start helping themselves, you could find yourself on the hook legally.

Queensland
In QLD, the Liquor Act 1992 (QLD) allows minors to be on licensed premises only if they’re accompanied by a parent or guardian, and any adult found providing alcohol to a minor could face up to $10,676 in fines. For parents who might think they’re offering a “safe environment” by providing alcohol at home, the law doesn’t necessarily agree. Even if you believe you’re supervising, supplying alcohol to someone else’s child (without parental permission) is against the law in QLD.

Parents should note that while some older teens may be tempted to bend the rules, the potential consequences are serious. Not only are they at risk of facing fines, but if the minor in question is harmed, the liability for the host (or the parents) can increase substantially.

What Happens if Things Go Wrong? Liability for Parents and Hosts

The holiday season is often seen as a time to loosen up, but it’s vital to remain aware of legal responsibilities as a parent or host. If a minor attending a gathering at your home consumes alcohol and then suffers harm or is involved in an incident, you may face legal ramifications under “duty of care” laws.

In both NSW and QLD, courts have found parents and hosts liable if they’ve failed to supervise minors adequately or have allowed illegal activity to occur on their property. For instance, if you’re aware of minors drinking but turn a blind eye, this could be considered negligent supervision. Equally, if a minor leaves a party and injures themselves or others, the host’s responsibility may be called into question.

So, what’s the best course of action? Set clear boundaries, monitor party activities, and remember it’s always safer to say “no” to underage drinking. Additionally, consider providing alternative beverages and activities to keep the event festive without alcohol.

Curfews and Transport: Making Safe Plans

While state laws don’t mandate specific curfews, that doesn’t mean parents can’t set one! Communication is key let your teen know what time they’re expected home and who they’re traveling with. With taxi services, ride-sharing apps, and public transport, there are plenty of options to ensure they make it back safely.

For younger teens who may not have smartphones or easy access to rideshares, it’s helpful to coordinate with other parents or ensure that there’s an adult chaperone available. This not only provides a peace of mind but can reduce risky situations where they may feel pressured to find unsafe travel options.

Celebrate Smartly and Legally

It’s possible to have a great time without a legal hangover the next day. While NSW and QLD laws may seem restrictive, they’re there to protect minors and ensure that holiday gatherings don’t take an unfortunate turn. As parents, setting clear boundaries on alcohol, curfews, and party rules is not only within your rights but is crucial to keeping everyone safe.

And remember when in doubt, you can always contact our team at FEDOROV Family Lawyers. We’re here to provide guidance, clarify any legal grey areas, and, of course, to help if things go sideways. This holiday season, celebrate smartly—because the last thing anyone wants is a festive get-together ending with a police visit and an unwanted fine!