Drinking age in Queensland (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: In Queensland a minor may not be supplied with liquor on licensed premises or in a public place, and an adult may not supply liquor to a minor at a private place unless they are the minor's parent or guardian and supply responsibly. Drinking is banned on roads and council land unless the area is designated.

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 alcoholAn adult must not supply liquor to a minor at a private place unless the adult is a responsible adult (a parent, step-parent, guardian or adult with parental rights and responsibilities), and a responsible adult may supply only if consistent with responsible supervision (80 penalty units). A minor may be on licensed premises if eating a meal or accompanied by a responsible adult who supervises responsibly, except after 5 pm at a nightclub. [1]
Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcoholA person must not consume liquor on a road or on land owned or controlled by a local government (other than a conservation park or resources reserve), or in the doorway of premises opening onto such a place. A local government may designate public places where liquor may be consumed. Maximum penalty 1 penalty unit. [1]
Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcoholA person must not supply liquor to a minor on licensed premises, or on a street or place adjacent to them or in a public place (unless the minor is with a responsible adult in a designated public place). Maximum penalties range from 80 to 250 penalty units depending on the person. A minor must not consume or possess liquor on licensed premises or in a public place (25 penalty units). [1]

Notes

  • The definition of 'minor' was not found in the text read; the age of 18 is shown by s 158, which refers to attaining 18 years for the purposes of these offences.
  • Different rules apply in restricted areas under s 168B. Local government designations were not checked.

Sources

  1. Queensland Government: Liquor Act 1992 (Qld), current in-force version (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Queensland

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16 (12-17 if supervised)
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h (110 km/h where signed)
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container refund scheme · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Zero tolerance · THC threshold: Any trace of THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules plus age and licence · Minimum age: 16 (12-17 if supervised)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (unrestricted only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while visiting · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Citizen or resident visa: Queensland 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: Some one-hand opening knives category M
  • MopedsLicence: Class RE or car licence
  • 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: Open/P2 only; L/P1 under 25: none
  • 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, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: A smoke alarm in each bedroom. For each storey with bedrooms: in the hallway that a bedroom door opens onto (or, if a bedroom has no door to a hallway, in the part of the storey between that bedroom and the rest of the dwelling). For a storey with no bedrooms: on the most likely path of travel to an exit. All alarms must be interconnected.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • Towing trailers and caravans
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: Under 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.