Information for the
Queensland Police Service
Party Safe Program
www.police.qld.gov.au/party
Party Safe
Everyone enjoys going to or hosting a party. For young people
it is certainly a part of growing up and celebrating special
occasions with their friends. While most parties are fun for
everyone involved, intoxicated guests, gatecrashers or some
other mishap can sometimes ruin the occasion.
There are many things to consider when planning a party, and
good planning can reduce the risk of potential problems on the
night. This brochure provides some great ideas to help you
make your party safe and enjoyable for everyone concerned
including, parents, hosts and guests.
For more information on Party Safe and helpful links go to
www.police.qld.gov.au/party.
Notify Police of Your Party
Party Safe allows you to register your party with local police
using the attached Party Safe registration form. Registering
your party with police provides police with the opportunity to
supply you with some helpful advice and resources to help in
organising a safe and lawful party. It also ensures that police
have the information necessary to respond effectively if issues
do arise.
The address and contact details for your local police station can
be located in your local White Pages or on the Queensland
Police Service Website - www.police.qld.gov.au.
The registration form is also available from any police station or
the Queensland Police Service Internet site www.police.qld.gov.au/party.
Try and register your party at least two weeks beforehand so
that police can ensure that they are able to supply you with all
your Party Safe wristbands, and other helpful information, well
in time for your party.
Party Safe for Hosts
Planning Tips & Checklist
Hosting a party at home or at a local venue can be great fun.
You’ll want to have a night your guests will remember for all the
right reasons and as a host it is your responsibility to ensure your
guests party safe!
Below are some key points for you to consider when preparing
and having your party or gathering.
Before the Party

Register your party at your local police station. The
address and contact details for your local police station
can be located on the Queensland Police Service website,
www.police.qld.gov.au. Try and register your party at
least two weeks beforehand so that police can ensure that
they are able to supply you with all your Party Safe
wristbands, and other helpful information, well in time for
your party.

Make entrance to the party by invitation only, and let
people know that it is an exclusive party. This way there
will only be people you know and want at your party and it
will discourage gatecrashers.

Try to avoid using the Internet, SMS, e-mail distribution
lists, online notice boards, social networking sites or word
of mouth to advertise your party. If word of the party has
spread you may need to take extra preventative measures
i.e., change venue, organise more adult supervision or
hire security guards.

Make the start and finish times clear on your invitation.
Encourage parents to collect their children or for guests to
make arrangements for safe transport home at the end of
the party.
Party Safe Checklist

Clearly state on your invitation if the party is
alcohol free, BYO or if alcohol will be supplied.
If you don’t allow people to BYO it will be
easier to control the amount of alcohol that is
served.

Use the Party Safe non re-usable identification
wristbands from your local police station to
make identification of invited guests easier.

Let your neighbours know about your party in
advance as this may reduce concerns about
parking or noise later. Give them your contact
details so that they can contact you directly
with any concerns on the night, rather than the
police.

Ensure all your valuables are locked away so
they can’t be damaged, broken or stolen.
Mobile phones, laptops, cameras and
handbags are amongst the property most
targeted by thieves at parties.

Ensure that you have ready access to a phone
during the event. Have emergency service
numbers ready, just in case, and taxi company
numbers handy to assist with guests getting
home safely afterwards. Consider pre-booking
taxis to help get guests home safely at the end
of your party.

Think about organising some party activities
like dancing. These are a good way of keeping
guests entertained and doing things other than
drinking. Parties can also be fun without
alcohol.

Ensure your first aid kit is well stocked and
easy to access. Plan what to do if a guest
becomes sick or intoxicated. If a person is
drunk and has or looks like they may pass out
or collapse call an ambulance immediately.
While waiting for the ambulance, lay the
person on their side in the ‘recovery’ position
to maintain their airway and stay with them.

Be mindful of your obligations as a host. Drinking alcohol or
taking drugs affects your ability to make safe decisions; stay
in control and sober so that you are able to deal with
problems quickly and effectively.

Check your liability insurance so you know what your policy
covers. You have a duty of care for your guests and could be
deemed liable if alcohol and other drugs are consumed at
your party and an incident occurs.
The Venue

Ensure that the venue for your party is suitably equipped for
the number of people invited. Consider the size of the venue,
whether there are enough seats and tables available and
whether there are sufficient toilets so people don’t have to go
outside.

When planning your party be mindful of the layout. Consider
placing tables of food in central locations within easy reach.
Keep the area where alcohol is served to a single central
location, so it can be monitored, and away from the party
entrance.



Make sure there is appropriate lighting for the venue
(particularly any dark hidden-away areas you may have).

Consider if there are any potential hazards that
require extra preventative measures or
supervision e.g. swimming pools, open fires,
BBQs.

Make sure that any out-of-bounds areas are
adequately secured.
Consider where people will put their valuables when they
arrive and during the party.
Is there a smoking area? Some people smoke and a
designated smoking area will keep guests from going outside
or congregating out the front of your house.
Crowd Control

Remember that it is your party and you have the right
to set the standard of acceptable behaviour and see
that it is maintained. As the host, you could
potentially be liable if a drunken guest causes damage
to property or another person.

Consider what type of supervision or security you
need for your party? Will you use friends, other
parents, private security? How many do you need?
What do you want them to do on the night? Checking
attendees off a list as they arrive, stopping alcohol
being brought into the venue, dealing with uninvited
or unruly people.

Think about having only one entrance and exit point
to make it easier to control who attends your party,
and consider how this will be monitored and
controlled.

Ensure that your supervision or security is visible.
Visible security will discourage gatecrashers and help
maintain the standard of behaviour of your guests.

If gatecrashers turn up act quickly by refusing them
entry and asking them to leave immediately. If they
won’t leave, tell them you will be contacting the
police, and do so.

Try not to allow people to wander round or congregate
out the front of your house. Try to confine the party to
a backyard, building or enclosed area, as it is easier to
control your guests. Avoid using front yards or street
frontages as this can attract uninvited guests and is
more likely to elicit complaints from neighbours.

It’s your party and you have the right to refuse entry
to your property and to ask people to leave at any
time. It is an offence for people to trespass if you
have refused them entry.
Food & Alcohol

Ensure food and water are readily available for all
guests throughout the party. Snacks high in protein
and carbohydrates such as cheese, dips, crackers,
chips, raw vegetables and seafood delay the
absorption of alcohol.

Avoid serving too many salty foods, as these tend to
make people thirsty and encourage them to drink
more.

If you are providing alcohol, limit full strength
alcoholic drinks such as full strength beer, spirits,
wine or champagne. Provide a good selection of lower
strength drinks.

Have a wide variety and sufficient supply of nonalcoholic drinks such as non-alcoholic punch,
mocktails, fruit juice or soft drinks.

Only serve alcohol from one central area within
your party, which is away from the party entrance,
and have a responsible sober adult serving the
drinks.

Discourage people from going around and topping
up glasses as this makes it hard to keep track of
how much alcohol they are drinking.

Stop serving alcohol an hour before the party is to
end. Consider serving hot drinks or non-alcoholic
drinks along with some food prior to your guests
heading home.


Do not allow people to leave with drinks; remember
it is illegal to consume alcohol in public places.
Should you decide to allow guests to bring their
own alcohol, avoid providing open containers that
can be ‘spiked’ or used to disguise the volume of
alcohol being consumed.
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Remember young people, like adults, can be arrested for
behaviours associated with drinking (such as violence
or property damage).
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. Not to
mention that you could end up with a criminal record for
the rest of your life that could impact on your future job
and travel opportunities.
Noise
Noise
Excessive noise from amplified music, motors, generators and
guests, is the most common reason why police are called to a
party.
Registration of your party with police is not a licence to make as
much noise as you want. Excessive noise from your party can
be reported to police, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are
making excessive noise police have the right to enter premises,
without a warrant, and issue a noise abatement direction. If the
noise continues within 12 hours of the issue of the direction,
police can return and investigate, which could result in the
seizure and removal of any property being used to make the
noise and you being issued with an on-the-spot fine or being
required to attend court.
Alcohol & Minors
The Liquor Act 1992 makes it is an offence to supply
alcohol to a minor on licensed premises or in a public
place. If someone supplies alcohol to a minor they can
be hit with an on-the-spot fine. The minor can also be
fined for consuming or being in possession of alcohol
in licensed premises or a public place. This means
that it is illegal for a minor to hold a friend’s drink, or
help carry a carton of beer in a public place.
It is also illegal to supply alcohol to a minor at a private
residence or place unless you are a responsible adult
for the minor and responsibly supervising the minor’s
consumption of alcohol. A responsible adult for a
minor is defined in the Liquor Act as a parent, stepparent or guardian of a minor, or an adult who has
parental rights and responsibilities for the minor. If
police are called to a party and see the irresponsible
supply of alcohol to minors they may seize all alcohol
and the person responsible for supplying the alcohol
could be issued with a notice to appear in court, where
a substantial fine can apply.
The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation offers a
wide range of resources, information and fact sheets
on liquor compliance, including the laws relating to
alcohol and minors. For more information go to
www.olgr.qld.gov.au.
Party Safe for Guests
Everyone wants to enjoy themselves at a party. There are lots of
ways 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 the Internet, SMS, e-mail
distribution lists, online notice boards, social networking
sites or word of mouth to advertise the party.

Don’t take your own alcohol to the party, unless requested
by the host. Take along an extra bottle of soft drink or
juice instead!

If you are drinking alcohol, it is a good idea to take sips
not gulps, finish each drink before you have another and
don’t let others top-up your drinks so you know how much
you are drinking.


Remember its ok to say no if friends offer you more
alcohol than you had planned to drink.

Look after your friends during the party and stay with
people you know and trust. Be aware of what is
happening around you, be confident and assertive and 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.
Have some food, non-alcoholic drinks and get involved
with the entertainment on offer at the party, you will drink
less alcohol and still have a fantastic time.
If your friends are getting drunk, get them to slow down
drinking or offer them non-alcoholic drinks. If your friends
are drunk, think about getting them to sit down so they
don’t hurt themselves, prevent them from drinking any
more, keep an eye on them and get them home safely.



Don’t walk home alone.
Don’t get into a car with a driver who has been drinking.
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.

Remember, police can be called to a party to assist with
complaints about excessive noise or a person who is
behaving in an offensive, threatening or violent way – these
things can wreck a great party.

Consuming drugs, particularly in combination with alcohol
can greatly increase your impairment and affect your ability
to drive. If you are planning on using alcohol or other
drugs, the best advice is don’t drive.

Make plans beforehand about how you and your friends will
get home after the party. Arrange for a lift with a nondrinking driver, taxi or public transport.

Drinking alcohol or taking drugs affects your ability to make
safe decisions. It is better to make the right choices for you
by staying in control.

If a person is drunk and has or looks like they may pass out
or collapse call an ambulance immediately. While waiting
for the ambulance, lay the person on their side in the
‘recovery’ position to maintain their airway and stay with
them.
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. Not to mention
that you could end up with a criminal record for the rest of
your life that could impact on your future job and travel
opportunities.
Party Safe for Parents

Speak with the party host and find out
how many people will be attending the
party? Who and how many people will be
supervising the party? Will alcohol be
available at the party, if so, how will it be
managed? Will food be available at the
party? What time is the party expected to
finish? Will the party be registered with
police?

Get the phone number of the house
where the party is being held and/or the
mobile phone number of the host.


Drop your child off at the party venue and
arrange to pick them up at a certain time.


Discuss backup plans should things ‘go
wrong’ at the party.
Talk to your child about how to have a
good time at a party without coming to
any harm.
The Department of Health and Ageing has
produced some great information and
resources for parents wanting to address
the issue of alcohol with their children in
Teenagers and Alcohol: A Guide for
Parents and via their website
www.alcohol.gov.au.
Alcohol & The Law
The Queensland Government, Office of Liquor and Gaming
Regulation offers a wide range of resources, information and fact
sheets on Liquor Compliance issues. Go to www.olgr.qld.gov.au.
One Punch Can Kill
Remember that One Punch Can Kill – it is a shocking reality that
simple acts of violence can have tragic consequences. Violence
is NOT okay! For more information, go to
www.onepunchcankill.com.au.
Other Information
General information regarding alcohol can be obtained from
www.alcohol.gov.au. For more information about alcohol and
other drugs and the dangers of driving under the influence go to
www.tmr.qld.gov.au.
Useful Contacts
We recommend you note down these numbers before the party and
keep them by the phone on the night.
Local Taxi
Security Provider
Neighbour/s
…
…
For non-urgent police matters contact
Always Remember
For 24-hour alcohol and drug information and
counselling, call the Alcohol and Drug Information
Service on 1800 177 833.
Produced by the Queensland Police Service, Drug and Alcohol
Coordination Unit, Phone (07) 3364 4601, February 2012
This information should be used as a guide only and does not constitute, and should not be
relied upon as, legal advice. If you have a legal problem, you should seek legal advice from a
lawyer. The Queensland Police Service does not guarantee the reliance on the information
contained herein will prevent any loss, injury, damage or other adverse incident from occurring
during, or in connection with, a registered party and accepts no responsibility for any errors or
omissions and denies any liability for any expenses, losses, damages and costs you might incur
due to the information herein being inaccurate or incomplete in any way.
www.police.qld.gov.au/party
If you are unable to handle a situation, call your
local police or, in an emergency or life-threatening
situation, call Triple Zero (000).
Party date:
Start time:
Finish time:
Address of party:
Suburb/Town:
Post Code:
Occasion:
First contact person who will be in attendance during the party
Full Name:
Address:
Suburb/Town:
Telephone no.:
Post Code:
Mobile no.:
Email:
Will the host be in attendance for the
duration of the party?
 Yes
 No
Second contact person who will be in attendance during the party
Full Name:
Contact no.:
Venue contact no. (if any):
How many guests are expected?
How many people know about the party?
Predominant age of guests:
Is there likely to be alcohol at the party?
If yes, is the alcohol BYO (Bring Your Own)?
Have the neighbours been notified?
Will adult supervision be at the party?
 Yes
 Yes
 Yes
 Yes
 No
 No
 No
 No
 Yes
 No
 Yes
 No
If yes, how many?
Has licensed security been employed for
the party?
If yes, who and how many?
Do you want Party Safe Identification
Wrist Bands?
If yes, how many do you need?
Where did you hear about Party Safe?
Please complete all sections above about your upcoming party to ensure a safe and more enjoyable time for
everyone. Please return this form by post, email or in person at least two weeks before your party to your
nearest police station.
Please note: By registering your party, subject to operational convenience and requirements, the Queensland
Police Service (QPS) will endeavour to maintain a generalised presence in the surrounding area of your party,
however, the QPS cannot guarantee that a police presence will always be possible. A police response should be
available in-line with its obligations to the community upon receiving a request for assistance. The Queensland
Police Service does not guarantee that reliance on the information provided will prevent any loss, injury, damage
of other adverse incident from occurring during or in connection with a registered party. The collection of this
information is authorised by legislation or QPS policy established under the Police Service Administration Act
1990 (Qld) and the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld). The information may be used to assist in
performing statutory functions and responsibilities of the QPS. The QPS may disclose some or all of this
information to employees and contractors involved in the processing of this form. The information may also be
disclosed to those persons and agencies outside the QPS as provided for by legislation or in accordance with
the Queensland Government’s privacy policy. Failure to supply the requesting information may mean that the
QPS is unable to process this form.
Queensland Police Service to complete
Date received:
Name:
Rank:
Reg no.:
Station:
CAD/IMS/QPRIME ref no.: