Party Safe for guests

Everyone wants to enjoy themselves at a party and have a night that they will remember for all the right reasons. This information sheet provides you with some key points to consider to ensure that you and your friends have a great time.

• When invited to a party, don’t spread the invitation to other people.  Do not use social media, SMS or word of mouth to advertise the party.
• Don’t take your own alcohol to the party, unless requested by the host. 
• Remember it's ok to say no if friends offer you more alcohol than you had planned to drink.
• Look after your friends and stay with people you know and trust.  Be aware of what is happening around you, be confident and assertive. If you pick up ‘bad vibes’ from someone or someplace, trust your instincts and head for somewhere safe.
• Watch your drinks and your friends’ drinks to ensure no one tampers with them.
• If your friends are getting drunk, ask them to slow down, keep an eye on them and get them home safely.
• If a drunk person has or looks like they may pass out or collapse, seek medical assistance immediately.  While waiting lie the person on their side in the ‘recovery’ position to maintain their airway, and stay with them.
• Remember, police can be called to a party if they receive complaints about excessive noise, the conduct of guests, if the party gets out of hand or if it comes to the attention of police that an offence is being committed.  Comply with any directions given to you by police; if you fail to do so you are committing an offence and, if charged and convicted, you could face a significant fine or prison sentence.
• Make plans beforehand about how you and your friends will get home.   Arrange for a lift with a non-drinking driver, taxi or public transport.
• Don’t get into a car with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs.
• Never walk home alone.
• Remember that young people, like adults, can be arrested for behaviours associated with drinking (such as violence or property damage).
• It is illegal to drink alcohol in a public place (including a park or beach) and you could be fined or arrested.
• It is a criminal offence to be in possession of illicit drugs including cannabis, and could result in a fine or prison sentence if you are charged and convicted. 
• If you are asked by the party host or organiser to leave the party, leave immediately without incident.  You may commit an offence if you cause or contribute to a party becoming out of control.  If charged and convicted you could face a significant fine, prison sentence and you could be ordered by the court to contribute to any costs incurred by police in responding to party.
• It is an offence to supply alcohol to a person under 18 in a public place.  If you are caught supplying alcohol to a person under 18 in a public place you could be given an on-the-spot fine or have to attend court, where maximum penalties can apply. 
• It is also an offence to supply alcohol to a person under 18 on private property unless you are a responsible adult for that minor (i.e., a parent, step-parent or guardian of the minor, or an adult who has parental rights and responsibilities for the minor) and the supply of alcohol is not irresponsible.  If police are called to a party and see supply of alcohol and people under 18 years of age not being responsibly supervised, then the police may seize all alcohol and if you supplied the alcohol, you could be facing a substantial fine.
• Drinking alcohol or taking drugs affects your ability to make safe decisions.  It is better for you to stay in control, so you can make the right choices for you.  
• Contact your local police immediately should trouble occur. Remember in an emergency call Triple Zero (000).