What is "secondary supply"?

May 2012
For a general audience

"Secondary supply" is the provision of alcohol in a private home to people aged under 18 years (minors), usually by an adult person who is not employed to sell alcohol

In Australia it is illegal for staff of licensed premises to serve minors, and for adults to purchase alcohol on behalf of minors. The situation in private homes and at private functions is less clear.

In some states and territories, adults are able to provide alcohol to minors in a private residence, even if the minors are not their own children.

In this fact sheet, "secondary supply" refers to this situation: the supply of alcohol to minors in private homes, potentially by adults other than their parents.

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