Party Safe for guests
Produced by the Drug
and Alcohol
Coordination Unit
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!
For further information contact:
Drug and Alcohol Coordination Unit
Police Headquarters
200 Roma Street
BRISBANE QLD 4000

When invited to a party, don’t spread the invitation to other people. Do not use social
media, SMS, email distribution lists, online notice boards, 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, juice or food 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 can keep track of how
much you are drinking).

Remember, it’s ok to say ‘no’ if friends offer you more alcohol than you had planned to
drink.

Have some food, non-alcoholic drinks and get involved with the entertainment on offer at
the party, like dancing. You will drink less alcohol and still have a fantastic time.

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.
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Last updated 19 February 2014
www.police.qld.gov.au/party
T: 07 3364 4601
F: 07 3364 6931
E: [email protected]
Watch your drinks and your friends’ drinks to ensure no one tampers with them.
If your friends are getting drunk get them to slow down 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.

If you see that a person is drunk and has or looks like they may pass out or collapse,
contact a doctor or call an ambulance immediately. While waiting for the ambulance, lay
the person on their side in the ‘recovery’ position to ensure their airway remains clear
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-control or if it comes to the attention
of police that an offence is being committed. Comply with any directions given to you by
a police officer; 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.

Alcohol and other drugs (including prescription drugs) affect every person differently.
Remember, alcohol and other drugs can interact with each other, which can amplify their
effects, increase the risk of overdose or result in adverse or unpredictable reactions.

Make plans beforehand about how you and your friends will get home after the party.
Arrange for a lift with a non-drinking driver, taxi or public transport.

If you are driving to the party, car pool with a few friends and decide who will be the
designated driver before you leave for the party. The designated driver should not drink
any alcohol at the party so that you all get home safely.

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Don’t get into a car with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs.
Never walk home alone.
FOR EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION
Produced by the Drug
and Alcohol
Coordination Unit
For further information contact:
Drug and Alcohol Coordination Unit
Police Headquarters
200 Roma Street
BRISBANE QLD 4000
T: 07 3364 4601
F: 07 3364 6931
E: [email protected]

It is illegal to drink alcohol in a public place (including a park or beach) and you could be
fined or arrested.

Remember that 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 if charged
and convicted you could be facing court and a significant fine or prison sentence. Not to
mention that you could end up with a criminal record; which could impact your future job
prospects and travel opportunities.

It is an offence to supply alcohol to a person under 18 in a public place. If you are caught
supplying alcohol to a minor in a public place you could be slapped with an on-the-spot
fine or have to attend court, where maximum penalties can apply.

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 because of your out-of-control conduct. Out-of-control conduct
includes things like trespassing, damaging property, disorderly conduct, fighting, doing
obscene acts, making unreasonably noise, throwing objects to harm people, obstructing
traffic, being drunk in a public place, consuming or possessing alcohol in a public place or
breaking glass. 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 the out-of-control party.

It is an offence to supply alcohol to a person under 18 on private property unless you are
a responsible adult for the minor (i.e., a parent, step-parent, guardian or adult who has
parental rights and responsibilities for the minor) and are responsibly supervising the
minor. If police are called to a party and see the irresponsible supply of alcohol to a
minor, police may seize all alcohol, and if you supplied the alcohol you could face charges
in court and a significant 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).
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For more information on hosting a safe and lawful party, or registering a Party Safe party
with police, go to www.police.qld.gov.au/party.

For more information on the legislation and offences relating to out-of-control events see
the Out-of-control events: Frequently asked questions (FAQs) fact sheet available from
Alcohol and Other Drugs Publications & Resources page.
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The Queensland Police Service
makes no statements,
representations or warranties about
the accuracy or completeness of,
and you should not rely on, any
information contained in this
document.
The Queensland Police Service
disclaims all liability (including,
without limitation, liability in
negligence) for all expenses, losses,
damages and costs you might incur
as a result of the information being
inaccurate or incomplete in any way,
and for any reason.
Last updated 19 February 2014
FOR EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION