Drinking age in Western Australia (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: In Western Australia a juvenile is a person under 18. It is an offence to sell or supply liquor to a juvenile on licensed premises, and to supply a juvenile in a private setting without a parent's or guardian's permission. Drinking on streets, in parks or on beaches is an offence.

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 alcoholIt is an offence to supply a juvenile (under 18) with alcohol in a private setting without parental or guardian permission (maximum fine $10,000). On licensed premises a juvenile may be present with a responsible adult (a parent, step-parent, spouse, de facto partner, legal guardian or person acting in place of a parent) or to obtain a meal. [2]
Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcoholDrinking in public places is an offence, with a $200 infringement or maximum $2,000 fine for drinking on streets, in parks or on beaches. [2]
Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcoholSelling or supplying alcohol to a juvenile on licensed premises is an offence for the licensee, any supervising manager and others ($10,000 for a licensee or manager, $4,000 for another person who sells or supplies, $2,000 for any other person involved). Allowing a juvenile to consume alcohol on licensed premises is an offence ($10,000 licensee or manager, $4,000 others). Sending a juvenile to buy alcohol carries a $2,000 fine. [1]

Notes

  • The Liquor Control Act 1988 on legislation.wa.gov.au could not be read in its current version; the rules and section numbers come from WA Government pages, which give no section number for the private supply rule.

Sources

  1. Government of Western Australia: Juveniles on licensed premises (Racing, Gaming and Liquor fact sheet) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Government of Western Australia: Report alcohol and tobacco offences by individuals (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Western Australia

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 50 km/h · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; 10 g or less may get an intervention notice · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 110 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, Containers for Change · 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: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Specified drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any cannabis detected
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules, 16+ · Minimum age: 16
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (unrestricted only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while a visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Citizen or permanent resident: transfer within 3 months
  • Home educationNature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • MopedsMinimum age to ride: From 15 years 6 months · Licence: Class R-N or other WA 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: Mounted or not touched
  • 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, on rent or hire
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18

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