Plea to parents – be sensible over the silly season
Posted by editor (editor) on Dec 23 2009
2009 >>

Parents are being urged to be mindful of younger members of the family over the holidays and remain in control of their alcohol consumption throughout the festive season.

Minister responsible for liquor, Peter Lawlor MP, today appealed for common sense at a time when it’s easy to get carried away in celebration.

“We as parents are role models, and we should set the benchmark for our young people and their attitudes towards alcohol,” said Minister Lawlor.

“The festive season is about spending quality time with family and friends – not binge drinking and hangovers.”

Parents must also be sensible in their supply of alcohol to children. Last year new laws were passed which saw penalties introduced for irresponsible supply of alcohol to minors in the home.

“Parents can now face fines of up to $8000 if caught supplying alcohol to minors to consume unsupervised,” said Minister Lawlor.

“I hope that parents are responsible and not providing unacceptable quantities of alcohol to their kids to help celebrate the New Year or Christmas.”

“We’re not the fun police – a sip of a shandy or some champers with the Christmas ham is fine, but under 18s should not be unwrapping cases of beer to welcome 2010.”

Licensees will also be on high alert this festive season, checking for legitimate ID on the door of licensed premises over the Christmas break. If people under 18 are found on licensed premises, management and staff can be fined up to $10,000.

“Just because it’s the holidays does not negate responsibilities, common sense or the law,” said Minister Lawlor.

Last changed: Jan 07 2010 at 2:23 PM