Drinking age in the Australian Capital Territory (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: In the ACT it is an offence to supply liquor to a child or young person at licensed, catered or permitted premises or in a public place. At a private place, a parent or guardian (or someone they authorise) may supply liquor only if the supply is consistent with responsible supervision. Drinking is banned at bus stops, shops and other listed places.

RuleWhat applies
Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol18 years [1]
Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol18 years [1]
Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcoholAt a private place, a parent or guardian of a child or young person, or someone they authorise, may supply liquor, but commits an offence if the supply is not consistent with responsible supervision. Anyone else supplying liquor to a child or young person at a private place commits an offence. [1]
Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcoholIt is an offence to consume liquor at a bus interchange, bus station, light rail stop, within 50 m of those, shops, licensed or permitted premises, or in a permanent or temporary alcohol-free place. The ban does not apply at licensed premises, at premises selling food for consumption there, or when using furniture provided by such premises within 50 m of them. Maximum penalty 5 penalty units. [1]
Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcoholSupplying liquor to a child or young person is an offence for a licensee (50 penalty units), an employee (10) and anyone else at licensed, catered or permitted premises (20), and for anyone in a public place (20). A defence applies if a young person aged at least 16 showed an identification document identifying them as an adult. [1]

Notes

  • Section 204A applies to supply at a private place. Penalty 20 penalty units. The defendant carries the burden of showing the parent or guardian authorisation.
  • Liquor may be seized under s 201. The Act's definitions of the alcohol-free places were not read in full.

Sources

  1. ACT Parliamentary Counsel: Liquor Act 2010 (ACT), republication R44 effective 26 November 2025 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Australian Capital Territory

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, mainly footpaths and shared paths
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 18+ within the limit · Growing at home: Yes, 2 plants per adult, 4 per home
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container deposit scheme · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 years 9 months, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC present
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Same rights as bicycles
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence or permit needed)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while a visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent visa: ACT licence after 3 months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • MopedsLicence: Motorcycle licence (class R)
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Mounted or untouched; L/P: no voice use
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, compulsory · Minimum alarms and where: On or near the ceiling in bedrooms or in the corridor that leads to bedrooms, installed as per the manufacturer's instructions and the National Construction Code. A multi-level home needs smoke alarms on each level, interconnected.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
  • Towing trailers and caravansTrailer mass allowed with a car licence in any combination: Up to 9,000 kg GVM
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.