Commander's Desk | Hume Police District: Rethink that sneaky drink

Alcohol is a big factor in risky decision making by young people, not to mention the harm on growing brains.

Weekend parties and end of year events for schools and sporting groups are examples of opportunities for the misuse of alcohol that can cause harm not only to the young person but also to the community in general.

Local liquor accords, made up of licensed premises and supported by NSW Police Force, Liquor and Gaming NSW and local councils have developed strategies to reduce harm to the community and especially young people by initiating the "Rethink that sneaky drink" program.

The program is essentially this: if a minor is caught drinking underage in any pub, club or restaurant within Goulburn, Yass, Young and the Southern Highlands, they potentially face a ban from licensed premises until their 19th birthday.

That means you are effectively barred from licensed premises for an additional year, an important year of friends and family birthdays, and other celebrations you will miss out on and never get back.

Alcohol supply to minors is an offence.

In NSW the law states:

Unless you are a parent or guardian or have the authorisation of a parent or guardian, you cannot give or sell alcohol to a minor or buy alcohol on behalf of a minor.

Significant fines apply - between $1,100-$11,000 and/or a 12 month gaol sentence.

If you are approached by young people around bottle shops, don't risk the fines.

All these bottle shops have CCTV and the chance of getting caught is high.

For licensees, the risk of losing your livelihood by supplying alcohol to minors is just not worth it.