Is your after-ball function legal?
Is your after-ball function legal?
Friday, 28 May 2010 - 3:16pm
The Sale of Liquor Act 1989 allows under-18s to drink alcohol at 'private social gatherings'.
Police are concerned about after-ball functions that are described as 'private social gatherings' but operate more like unlicensed night clubs, with limited controls over underage drinking. They have a high risk of intoxication and associated harm.
Police have a duty to uphold the law. The provisions of the Sale of Liquor Act will be enforced where offences are detected.
If you want to hold an after-ball function, please contact your local police station and ask an Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer for advice.
Police consider a legal and safe after-ball function should:
- · Limit numbers
- · Have parents/guardians taking a prominent and active role in organisation and participating on the night
- · Provide lots of food
- · Limit alcohol bought in and have a central collection point for its distribution by a parent to attendees
- · Issue invitations and let only invited guests in.
A private social gathering in a home, supervised by parents, is also likely to be within the law.
Police advise parents and students to exercise caution over proposed functions where:
· Ticket price includes alcohol
· Large numbers attend
· Location is kept secret
· Organisers are from outside the school community
· Invitations are not personal - anyone can go.