Rights and responsibilities
Regardless of where your teen is choosing to celebrate Schoolies, it’s important they are aware of the laws surrounding alcohol, drugs, and responsible behaviour as the laws may be different in each state or country.
When talking about rights and responsibilities with your teen, we suggest reminding them that one poor choice at Schoolies can drastically affect their entire future. Having a criminal record can remove opportunities such as getting a job or being allowed to travel to other countries.
You may think you are protecting your teen if you buy them alcohol for Schoolies.
If your teen is under the age of 18 and you are leaving them unsupervised, you could be fined up to a maximum of $12,320 for supplying alcohol to a minor.
Important laws to make your teen aware of
In Queensland:
- You must be over the age of 18 to enter a licensed venue or purchase alcohol.
- Supplying alcohol to underage friends could see your teen facing a fine of $1,238* per friend supplied with a maximum up to $12,320*.
- Drinking in a public place is against the law, regardless of your age—$154*.
- Underage drinking or possession of liquor in a public place, even if holding a drink for your friend whilst they tie their shoelace—$464*.
- It is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs. Police often do roadside testing for both alcohol and drugs during Schoolies.
- Possessing or supplying others will illegal drugs is a serious criminal offence.
- Possessing an implement (e.g. bong, cannabis pipe, needle) that is used for smoking or taking illegal drugs is an offence.
- It is illegal for you to give someone prescription drugs, other than as prescribed.
- Selling or supplying tobacco to someone under the age of 18 years of age is illegal.
- Don't fake it! It's illegal to use someone else's ID or make a fake ID:
- if your teen uses a friend's ID, they may be fined $619* on the spot
- if your teen lends their ID to a friend, they may be fined up to $774* and the ID may be confiscated on the spot
Your teen could be fined on the spot or be taken to court and fined for each offence they commit.
*Fines are correct at the time of publishing however they may increase.
Throughout Queensland, all times of the year but especially during Schoolies, there are going to be lots of officers from both Queensland Police Service who will be in uniform and in plain clothes, and also Officers from the Office of Liquor and Gaming, roaming throughout Surfers Paradise, throughout Broadbeach and your licensed venues.
They're there to ensure public safety. If they do approach you, they can ask your name, your address, and your date of birth and yes, you do need to supply those things. They can also ask to see inside bags, to look inside your water bottles and things like that. You do need to allow those.
All the Officers, whether they're in plain clothes or in uniform, will be carrying ID. If an Officer does approach you, yes you can ask for that ID but when you do ask for the ID, make sure you do it respectfully.
So during Schoolies, it is important to remember that not everyone chooses to drink alcohol, however, if you do choose to drink alcohol, there are certain laws that you need to be aware of. It is illegal to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland - that's not just during Schoolies, but that's all-year-round in Queensland. If you are under the age of 18, you are deemed to be a minor and that means you cannot be in possession of alcohol. It doesn't matter whether that's in a public place or private residence, you still cannot be in possession of that alcohol. Even if it's in your bag or you're carrying it for a friend, that is still being in possession of alcohol. If you are over the age of 18, you cannot supply a minor with alcohol.
It is also an offence to be drunk and disorderly in a public place or on a licensed premises. If you are caught committing any of these offences, hefty penalties do apply.
It's important to remember that drugs are illegal and that's for so many reasons but none more important than your health. Taking an illicit substance can lead to major health ramifications, not only short term but in the long term too. If you are in possession of an illicit substance, it is an offence. If you are caught committing this offence, you will be dealt with under the criminal justice system. That then can lead to charges being laid, going through a court process, and in the end, you can have a criminal record.
If you do have a criminal record, that can lead to future job prospects being affected. It can also lead to travel plans being affected, and also future studies. Just think twice about taking drugs. Don't let one silly mistake ruin your future.