SIMON Corbell says that from today fines of up to $3000 apply for the illegal supply of alcohol to minors on private premises without parental permission and responsible supervision.

“The secondary supply of alcohol offences addressed a gap regarding the supply of liquor to people under 18 years old,” Simon said.

“It is already an offence to supply liquor to children and young people on licensed premises and in public places.

“These new laws, which have come into effect today, strengthen the role of parents in making decisions in relation to their children and managing their alcohol consumption.

“It is now an offence for another person to supply liquor to a child or young person, at a private place, unless they have permission to do so from a parent or guardian. The supply must also be consistent with responsible supervision of the child or young person.

“An offence will also be committed where a parent or guardian supplies liquor to their child without responsible supervision.

“The Liquor Act 2010 identifies factors relevant to establish whether the supply of alcohol by a parent or guardian is responsible.

“These factors include the age of the child, the quantity and type of alcohol involved, and whether the child is consuming food with the alcohol.

“Under the Act, supply to an intoxicated minor, whether or not by a parent, is not consistent with responsible supervision.

“We know that consumption of alcohol by children and young people is associated with a range of health and social harms, both short-term and long-term.

“In particular, research has shown that alcohol consumption by children and young people may adversely affect brain development and lead to alcohol-related problems in later life.

“The Government has provided a range of material to liquor retail outlets and other stakeholders to raise community awareness about the new offences, which attract a maximum fine of $3000.”

The community can find out more about the new offences at justice.act.gov.au