'Secondary supply’ generally refers to the sale or supply of alcohol to people under the age of 18 years (minors) by adults or other minors.

It is illegal in most states for someone under the age of 18 to drink or buy alcohol, or have alcohol supplied to them by an adult, in a licensed venue or public place.

Laws pertaining to parental supply in private residences, public places and licensed venues vary between states. In some jurisdictions, adults may be subject to large fines for providing alcohol on private property to minors without parental permission, and for providing excessive amounts of alcohol. They may also be required to provide adequate supervision for alcohol consumption by young people on their property.

Visit lawstuff for information on alcohol supply and drinking laws in your state.

The new national ‘Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol’ also provide advice for parents and carers about alcohol consumption for young people. The Australian Government has produced a brochure, Alcohol and your kids: a guide for parents and carers, to promote the messages in the guidelines. To view the full range of brochures available please visit the Alcohol guidelines page.