In a lot of Australian societies there is a strong cultural link to the consumption of alcohol - it has become part of the cultural identity associated with relaxing, having a good time and being with friends.

At the same time, alcohol and parties can be the cause of friction between young people and their parents.

So, what's okay and what's not?

Sometimes the laws can be confusing. For a lot of people, these are questions about parenting - raising responsible, well-adjusted and happy children while keeping them safe (and staying sane at the same time!).

The following information is designed to assist parents and carers making those tough decisions around alcohol, parties and the young people in their care and is set out as "Frequently asked questions and answers".

If you would like more information about iparty® Parents and Carers, or general information about alcohol and other drugs, you can contact the services listed on this site, they will be pleased to help.

"Our 17 year old son is having a party for his friends in our home. We don't want the guests to bring alcohol. We prefer to supply them with it. Is it OK for us to do this?" Yes, you can supply the alcohol. In fact, that way you can control the amount and type available. Your son's friends who are under 18 may consume alcohol in your home as it is a private premises. Keep in mind, however, that you have a responsibility to those at the party. Part of this would be to ensure that other parents are aware that alcohol will be provided and that the party will be supervised by responsible adults. Have a responsible adult serve the alcohol and ensure that controls are in place to minimise the risk of over consumption of alcohol.

"My 17 year old son is having some friends over at our home and they want to drink alcohol. They have given me some money and asked me to purchase alcohol for them to drink whilst they are at our home. Is it illegal for me to do this?" It is not illegal for you to purchase liquor for your son and his friends to drink at your home, either by way of a voluntary 'pooled money' arrangement or at your own expense, as long as: you are not buying and reselling the liquor yourself or making the payment of money a condition of attending

"My granddaughter is going to a party where there will be alcohol. Who is responsible for her? Is there any legal responsibility for her supervision?" The people holding the party are responsible for those at the party. Being responsible for people attending the party, in some special circumstances, may mean that the responsible adult may have a legal duty of care to those under their supervision. However, you have a responsibility to know: whether alcohol will be served whether parents, or a responsible adult will be present at all times precise start and finish times transport arrangements security arrangements the telephone contact number.

"We've collected $10 from everyone to buy alcohol for a party my son is having in our home. Is this OK? What if the guests are under 18?" It is OK to charge $10 to guests aged 18 and over. However, if the party guests are unable to drink the alcohol without paying the $10 a limited licence would need to be obtained as you are selling alcohol. You can apply for a limited licence from the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner. Guests under 18 would not be allowed to consume alcohol as this would be illegal under the limited licence. If a minor did consume alcohol both you and the minor would commit an offence. This is also the case if one of your teenagers were to go to a party where an entry fee is charged.

"We are allowing our 17 year old daughter to have a party in our home and have agreed to go out for the evening. Should we be doing this?" Supervision of teenage parties is essential and so you should stay at home to supervise the party. Should someone be injured, leaving the party unsupervised could mean that you have breached your legal duty of care and are liable for their injury. Gatecrashers can be a problem. To prevent this happening ask older siblings, a relative or close family friend to assist with supervision. Some parents hire security company personnel who are trained in crowd control. The presence of a uniformed crowd controller can be an effective deterrent to would-be gatecrashers.

"Some underage guests took alcohol (which we supplied) from a party at our house and consumed it at the local park. Is this OK?" No, it is not okay. Minors should not be allowed to take alcohol from the party to consume elsewhere. It is illegal for minors to consume alcohol in any public place and if you are aware this is happening you could be held liable.