Alcohol and the Law

Laws about alcohol are made mainly by State Governments. These laws regulate who can buy and sell alcohol, and where it can be bought and consumed. Throughout Australia it is an offence to sell liquor to someone under the age of 18.

Some Facts and Figures about Alcohol:

Alcohol consumption is a major factor in death, disease, accidents and crime.

Alcohol is responsible for the majority of drug related deaths in people aged 15 to 34 years.

Alcohol is second only to tobacco as the major cause of drug-related mortality in Australia.

Federal Office of road safety figures support that in excess of 30% of drivers killed on Australian Roads have a BAL above the legal limit.

A NSW police study found that alcohol was associated with 73% of all assaults, 84% of offensive behaviour episodes and 77% of all street offences.

In 1990 the cost of Alcohol Abuse in Australia was $6.9 Billion.

The National Drug Strategy survey indicates a clear association between underage drinking and heavy drinking behaviour in later life.

In 1992 an estimated 6,600 deaths were attributed to alcohol. This represented over a quarter of drug related deaths and 5% of deaths overall.

If alcohol is an issue for you or some one you now the following information links may help.

Telephone Contact

Alcohol & Drug Information Queensland 1800 177 833

Lifeline

13 11 14

Family Support

http://www.al-anon-alateen.org

Resources and Information

http://www.adf.org.au

Alcohol Support

http://www.aa.org.au

Driving Regulations & Information

http://www.police.qld.gov.au

Licence and Driving Information

www.transport.qld.gov.au