Drinking age in Victoria (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: In Victoria liquor may not be supplied to a person under 18 on licensed premises, and a person under 18 may not purchase, possess or consume liquor. An adult who is a parent, guardian or authorised by one may supply a minor in a residence if they can show responsible supervision.

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 alcoholThe ban on supplying liquor to under-18s does not apply to supply in a residence by the minor's parent, guardian or spouse (aged 18 or over), or someone they authorise, if the adult can show responsible supervision. A person under 18 may be on licensed premises if with a responsible adult, there for a meal, or a resident of the premises. [1]
Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol⚠ Not yet verified
Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcoholA licensee or permittee must not supply liquor to, or permit liquor to be supplied to, a person under 18 (120 penalty units); an employee commits an offence with 20 penalty units. A defence applies if the accused had seen an evidence of age document showing the person was 18 or over. A person under 18 must not purchase, receive, possess or consume liquor (5 penalty units). [1]

Notes

  • Read from Authorised Version No. 110 (as at 1 July 2024), the latest version shown on the legislation website when checked; later amendments were not checked.
  • The Act provides for designated areas (s 147) with police powers but no general ban on drinking in public places was found; councils make local laws, which were not checked.

Sources

  1. Victorian Government: Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (Vic), Authorised Version No. 110, as at 1 July 2024 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Victoria

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence; small amounts max 5 penalty units · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, CDS Vic · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 18 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any amount of THC is an offence · THC threshold: Any amount of THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licensed only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, if living in Victoria under 6 months · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Convert if living in Victoria 6+ months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Controlled weapon; excuse needed · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • 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/built-in only; L/P: 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: One per level, plus by bedrooms
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

Compare with the other states and provinces →

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