23 February 2018
The State Government has changed the law to impose restrictions on the supply of alcohol to young people at parties within the home and elsewhere. This new measure has the strong support of St Peter’s College, all other Independent schools and our peak representative body, the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia.
The Liquor Licensing (Liquor Review) Amendment Act 2017 became law on 14 November 2017. The changes to the law impact on your obligations when hosting a party, or when your child attends parties at other homes. Please note that obligations include ensuring that any alcohol is supplied by an appropriate or responsible adult and that the supply of alcohol must be consistent with the responsible supervision of the minor. The legislation lists what is to be taken into account in determining whether the supply was consistent with responsible supervision.
The changes also prohibit the supply (including serving) of alcohol to minors at so-called “warehouse” after-parties. This includes alcohol which has been brought to the party by the minor and supplied back to the minor during the party. The School has great concerns about the risk to young people at these parties where event organisers charge an admission fee and serve minors liquor which has been brought to the premises with the apparent consent of parents and guardians.
Where a person supplies alcohol to a minor in contravention of the new laws, they will face a maximum penalty of $10,000 and an expiation fee of $500. A minor who consumes or has possession of alcohol in contravention of the new laws will also face a maximum penalty of $2,500 and an expiation fee of $210.
Parents and other adults who assist in the supply of alcohol at a party risk infringing the new legislation, unless they comply with all elements of the law. More details can be found on the SA Government website.
At St Peter’s College, the wellbeing of our students is paramount, and we believe this is an essential and progressive initiative in the protection of young people. It is the School’s view that alcohol impairs good decision making, especially in the young, and potentially does long-term damage in both direct and indirect ways. We are also serious about our role in educating your sons in this matter. In 2018 Paul Dillon, an expert on safe partying for young people, will be coming to our School to address the Year 10, 11 and 12 boys. He will also be presenting to parents on the evening of Friday 10 August 2018. I highly recommend his presentation and believe it is very important that all parents attend the event. Details will be sent to families later in the year but please save the date in your diary.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me on BHanisch@stpeters.sa.edu.au or 8404 0405
Ben Hanisch, Head of Senior School/Deputy Headmaster