Australia and the Laws Related to Alcohol
![Reframe App Logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d10433104bca13abce2c13/6524611f0bc6ca7db5aea21b_logo.webp)
Australia is known for its unique wildlife and lush landscapes. From close-ups with cuddly koalas to lounging on pristine beaches, the Land Down Under is a coveted place to be. And if you’re familiar with Australia, then you’ve most likely heard of its active drinking culture.
While there may be some Aussies who live it up at the pubs, there are plenty who drink in moderation. With Australia’s prevalent drinking customs, state and local governments have been implementing stricter regulations, including laws about sobriety checkpoint vehicles known as Booze Buses.
To help us make informed decisions, let’s explore the nitty-gritty of Oz’s alcohol-related laws so we can stay out of trouble and drink responsibly while visiting.
In order to understand Australia’s drinking culture and the laws that govern it, let’s explore the early days of alcohol use in Australia.
While Aboriginal peoples of Australia had long used alcoholic beverages in certain ceremonies, high-proof alcohol wasn’t widely popularized in Australia until 1788 when the first fleet of British ships arrived. They brought along enough rum to satisfy British naval officers for four years, and it quickly became a form of currency. Rum was used to purchase anything and everything in the new colony, from land to prisoners. Over time, spirits came to be an integral aspect of the culture. Settlers and Aboriginal peoples alike began to produce bootleg spirits, and many got sick or died from the crude concoctions.
As time went on, alcohol consumption continued to increase. Prohibition laws were passed in the early 19th century as the government began to acknowledge the health and economic impacts alcohol was having on its citizens.
These laws produced mixed results. In 1916, several territories enacted laws requiring bars to close by 6 p.m. in an attempt to curb alcohol consumption. This unintentionally induced an excessive drinking culture that some say still persists today. Since bars closed by 6 p.m., workers would head to the pubs and drink as much as they could from clock out to closing — causing what is colloquially known as the “six o’clock swill.” This trend started to die down in the 1960s when entertainment and sports culture took off.
During the ‘70s in Australia, drinking age laws changed, and the legal drinking age was lowered from 21 to 18. To this day, alcohol remains a large part of Australia’s politics and culture. Public policy throughout the decades has promoted excessive drinking, which researchers say has contributed to today’s boozy workplace culture.
Fortunately, public health officials are increasingly acknowledging alcohol’s harmful effects on health. Today, there are many regulations that seek to control consumption of alcohol.
Now let’s take a look at the variety of laws related to alcohol in Australia. Keep in mind that alcohol-related laws and legal consequences of alcohol use vary from state to state and territory to territory, but these national laws generally apply everywhere.
The legal drinking age across all territories in Australia is 18 years old. This topic is widely debated among residents and politicians — previously, some states set the drinking age at 21 or even as high as 26. Officials amended laws in the 19th century to reduce the drinking age, and these laws have remained unchanged since then.
An 18-year-old Australian citizen is considered a legal adult. Advocates of drinking law changes argued that if an adult is allowed to vote, they should also be allowed to drink. However, a recent increase in alcohol-related driving incidents has sparked debate among Aussies, and many are pushing for an increase in the legal drinking age.
Blood alcohol content refers to the level of alcohol present in our system. It’s used as a measure to determine how intoxicated we are after drinking. Alcohol impairs our driving abilities by affecting areas of our brain that control coordination, perception, and motor function. There are strict regulations on a driver’s BAC to help reduce alcohol-related accidents.
Across all territories in Australia, the legal driving BAC level is 0.05%. Specific licenses and occupations require a BAC of 0.00%. This includes those with a provisional driving license, truck drivers, bus drivers, driving instructors, and those previously convicted of driving under the influence.
Downing “one for the road” was a common behavior until stricter measures were taken to enforce the legal driving BAC limit. In recent years, Booze Buses (mobile breathalyzer stations found at roadside sobriety checkpoints) have been implemented to dissuade drivers from drinking and driving. Driving under the influence remains one of the most commonly committed crimes related to alcohol consumption.
Public drinking refers to drinking alcohol outside of designated areas, often in places such as parks, roads, and public transport. Specific public drinking laws and no-alcohol zones vary by territory and state. In general, public drinking is not allowed in Australia.
Let’s break down the specific public drinking regulations by territory and state.
Aboriginal communities have been disproportionately affected by alcohol consumption since Australia was colonized by the British Royal Navy in 1788. Citing crime and poor social conditions, colonial governments banned alcohol for First Nations people from 1837 until the end of the 1960s.
When these bans were lifted, there was a surge in excessive alcohol consumption. Once again, increased alcohol-related crime prompted alcohol management plans and bans to be reinstated for Aboriginal communities. Alcohol is widely restricted in areas deemed Aboriginal lands, and in 2007 the Northern Territory government enacted a 15-year outright ban on possession and consumption of alcohol inside lands designated for Aboriginal peoples. This ban was reaffirmed upon its expiration in 2023.
The ethicality and efficacy of alcohol bans continue to be debated; despite the prohibition of alcohol in Aboriginal towns, crime, and other alcohol-related consequences continue to disproportionately affect the communities.
Across Australia, it’s illegal to sell alcohol to minors and those who are already intoxicated. Section 5 of the Liquor Act 2007 defines “intoxication” as when “a person’s speech, balance, coordination, or behaviour is noticeably affected,” and it is “reasonable in the circumstances to believe [these behaviors are] the result of the consumption of liquor.”
Alcohol labeling laws ensure that we as consumers are informed about the alcohol content in an item and that we are aware of its potential harmful effects. For instance, all alcoholic beverages in Australia must have printed pregnancy warnings, as alcohol poses major risks to fetal health and development.
Across Australia, all alcohol products must clearly display alcohol content and how many standard drinks they contain. There are also restrictions on labeling beverages as low-alcohol, non-intoxicating, and non-alcoholic. These restrictions are based on a beverage’s alcohol by volume (ABV), a measure of the alcohol content.
These labels ensure that we understand what we are purchasing and how it may affect us. Similar to how misleading food labels like “heart-healthy” Cheerios or “natural” peanut butter can trick us into thinking we’re making a healthy choice, deceptive alcohol packaging and advertisements are not always as straightforward as they seem.
“Secondary supply” is the act of providing alcohol to a minor in a private home. Laws vary by state and territory. In some areas, it’s legal only if the providing adult is the minor’s legal parent or guardian. In other areas, it’s legal if a parent or guardian grants permission.
Studies show that alcohol has particularly negative impacts on developing brains, which generally refers to those under the age of 25. Although secondary supply is generally legal across Australia, it’s important to consider the consequences of alcohol use for young people.
Legal consequences of alcohol-related crimes vary depending on the crime and the degree to which the law was broken. There are three major legal consequences for breaking alcohol-related laws.
While laws and legal consequences help reinforce Australia’s many regulations, alcohol continues to have detrimental impacts on the public health and safety. Alcohol-related statistics highlight the extent of these impacts and support the need for continued regulation. It’s advantageous to see what effects alcohol has in order to understand the importance of these alcohol-related laws.
These facts remind us of the severe consequences of irresponsible alcohol consumption. Laws and regulations vary from region to region, but altogether they aim to limit alcohol consumption for our health and safety.
Alcohol has been ingrained in Australian culture since its days as a colony. A strong drinking culture persists today, but laws and legislation have been put in place to mitigate the negative effects that alcohol has on public health. Breaking these laws leads not only to legal ramifications but also to an increased risk of alcohol-related diseases and accidents. Alcohol laws exist to encourage responsible drinking — if you’re going to drink, be safe and do it legally!
1. What is the legal Australian drinking age?
The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years old.
2. Can you drink in public in Australia?
Specific regulations vary by state and territory, but in general public drinking is not allowed in Australia.
3. Which crime is often related to alcohol use?
The most common crimes related to alcohol use include underage drinking and driving under the influence.
4. What are the legal consequences of breaking alcohol laws?
Breaking alcohol laws can lead to fines, imprisonment, and revocation of a driver’s license. The specific consequences are determined by the crime committed and the severity of nonadherence.
5. What are some of the effects of Australia's heavy drinking culture?
Australia has one of the highest rates of alcohol-related deaths in the world
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.