Minors are allowed in many licensed venues in NSW. However, there are strict controls in place for some types of venues, particularly:
This is to prevent minors from getting access to alcohol and to ensure they are adequately supervised by a responsible adult.
Under NSW liquor laws, a responsible adult is defined as an adult who is:
Under NSW liquor laws, minors can be fined for breaking the law, such as entering or remaining in a bar area of hotel or registered club and consuming alcohol on a licensed premises.
A list of offences and penalties that apply to minors who break the law see underage drinking fines.
A minor can avoid a penalty if they prove that they believed on reasonable grounds that a minors functions authorisation was in force for the hotel bar area.
Minors are permitted in the bar area of club premises to attend a wedding reception of a member of the club, a child or parent of a member of the club, or for someone who a member of the club has acted as a guardian. The minor must have been formally invited to the reception.
Minors can enter and remain in parts of a hotel where a minors area authorisation is in force or in a licensed public entertainment venue without being in the company of a responsible adult if they are:
Minors are permitted in a bar area of a hotel or club premises while in the company of a responsible adult to perform in a show or other live entertainment performance.
Minors are permitted to travel through a bar area of a hotel or club premises while in the company of a responsible adult for as long as is reasonably necessary to access another area of the hotel or club premises that the minor may lawfully enter.
