For Parents

There are laws for secondary supply in Western Australia.

It is against the law to supply alcohol to anyone under 18 years old in a private setting without permission from their parent or guardian. This includes at home, at a friend's house or at a party.

The legal limit is 0.00% (zero) Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) for anyone on a learners permit or P plates.

Keep your teenager safe - talk to them about the law and risks of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or being a passenger when the driver is under the influence.

It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 18.

People under 18 years old can only enter or remain at licensed venues in specific circumstances depending on the license type (e.g. when accompanied by a parent or guardian).

It is also against the law for anyone under 18 to consume, possess or bring alcohol onto a licensed premises.

It is against the law for anyone to drink in a public place, like on the street, in a park or at the beach.

It is against the law for a person under 18 years old to possess alcohol in a public place, even if it is unopened.

Anyone recieving an alcohol delivery must be aged 18 or over and will be asked to show ID. 

In February 2022, new laws came into effect including a prohibition on unattended same day deliveries and set hours for delivery.

Research consistently shows that, despite what some parents think, giving your child alcohol at home or on special occasions under your supervision, is not a safe way to introduce them to alcohol. Young people who get alcohol from their parents – even small amounts like sips and tastes – are more likely to:

• Start drinking at an early age.
• Drink at levels considered risky for adults (binge drinking).
• Get more alcohol from other sources like friends.
• Experience harm from alcohol.

Visit this page for tips on how to say no when your child asks for alcohol. 

Times have changed. We now know more about the dangers of young people drinking. Now that we know better, let’s do better. No amount of alcohol is safe for under 18s

When young people start drinking at an early age, they are more likely to have problems with alcohol later in life, such as binge drinking and becoming dependent on alcohol. The later teens delay their first alcoholic drink, the less likely they will drink regularly and experience issues with alcohol as an adult.

The developing brain does not assess risks in the same way as adult brains do. Adding alcohol to the mix can further increase behaviours that can end in harm:

• Vomiting, alcohol poisoning, and blackouts.
• Injury, including assaults, falls, and road accidents.
• Unwanted or unsafe sex.
• Treating others in a way they normally wouldn’t, like arguing or having a fight.
• Poor mental health, self-harm and suicide.

Find more info on the impacts of alcohol on young people here.

Research shows that giving your child alcohol at home or on special occasions under parental supervision is not a safe way to introduce them to alcohol. 

When young people start drinking at an early age, they are more likely to have problems with alcohol later in life, such as binge drinking and becoming dependent on alcohol.

The later teens delay their first alcoholic drink, the less likely they will drink regularly and experience issues with alcohol as an adult.

Take everyday opportunities to start a conversation (not a lecture) like at the dinner table, when you're driving them places or watching TV together.

You don’t have to be an expert, but think about what you want to say, and be ready to answer some difficult questions.
It’s important your child knows the risks associated with alcohol but at the same time, if you use scare tactics, your child may dismiss what you are saying.

Challenge the idea that drinking is a normal part of growing up, and everyone starts drinking alcohol eventually. More young people are choosing to not drink than ever before!

Make it clear that you don’t want your child to drink alcohol while they are under 18 and explain why.

Find more tips for talking about alcohol here.

You influence your child's attitudes and decisions around alcohol more than you might think. Your advice and support helps keep them safe, even if it’s not always welcomed. 

• Talk early and often. It’s never too early (or too late) to start talking with your child about alcohol. Your best chance to influence their attitudes and decisions is to talk openly before it happens.
• Be specific about expectations. Make it clear that you don’t want your child to drink alcohol while they are under 18 and explain why.
• Be a role model. Let your child see you refuse a drink, have alcohol free days and fun times without alcohol.
• Help your child prepare for pressure to drink and how to respond. 
• Know where your child is, what they are doing and who they are with. Get to know their friends, and friends’ parents, where possible.

Find more tips for talking about alcohol here.

More young people in WA are choosing not to drink alcohol. Over the last 20 years, alcohol use among young people aged 12 to 17 years old has significantly decreased.

While fewer young people are drinking, of those who reported drinking in the last week, 1 out of 3 drank at levels considered risky for adults.

Young people are exposed to alcohol promotion out in the community and on social media. Keep the conversation open with your child so they know you are there to support them when they are making thier own decisions about alcohol. 

There are concerns that underage use of zero alcohol products can lead to the use of alcoholic products. By replicating the look, smell and taste of alcohol, these products can encourage young people to develop a liking for alcohol-like products and send the message that underage drinking is acceptable or tolerated in some way.