Is your after-ball function legal?

The Sale of Liquor Act 1989 allows under-18s to drink alcohol at 'private social gatherings'.
 
Police are concerned about after-ball functions that are described as 'private social gatherings' but operate more like unlicensed night clubs, with limited controls over underage drinking. They have a high risk of intoxication and associated harm. 
 
Police have a duty to uphold the law. The provisions of the Sale of Liquor Act will be enforced where offences are detected.
 
If you want to hold an after-ball function, please contact your local police station and ask an Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer for advice.
 
Police consider a legal and safe after-ball function should:
  • ·     Limit numbers
  • ·     Have parents/guardians taking a prominent and active role in organisation and participating on the night
  • ·     Provide lots of food
  • ·     Limit alcohol bought in and have a central collection point for its distribution by a parent to attendees
  • ·     Issue invitations and let only invited guests in.
A private social gathering in a home, supervised by parents, is also likely to be within the law.
 
Police advise parents and students to exercise caution over proposed functions where:
·        Ticket price includes alcohol
·        Large numbers attend
·        Location is kept secret
·        Organisers are from outside the school community
·        Invitations are not personal - anyone can go.