-
ACT Articles
-
National Articles
-
NSW Articles
-
QLD Articles
-
VIC Articles
-
WA Articles
I know I thanked you before we parted company but please allow me to reiterate in writing my sincere deepest thanks for defending me in court today. … Armstrong Legal certainly has a great Lawyer you are a credit to the company and I'm quite sure you will secure a very successful future! … My Kindest Regards and Thanks
- Client
Anastasia Qvist is an outstanding lawyer. My criminal law situation (family violence order) was difficult, complex and Ana's diligence saved me as I was going through the most difficult period of my life. Ana is down to earth, commonsense and she even kept our costs to a minimum. She is a skilled litigator and knows the ins and outs of the ACT Magistrates Court. She dealt skillfully with the DPP and is an excellent negotiator. You will get a fair representation and she genuinely cares about her clients. She has my complete recommendation. The lady goes to bat for her clients.
- Client
I would strongly recommend Anastasia to anyone who is seeking legal representation. As a first-time offender who was charged with a Level 2 Drink Driving offence, she walked me through every step of the matter and was very upfront and clear on all aspects of my case. She was always accessible when I needed advice. Her approach and advice were excellent. Under her representation, I received the best possible outcome and managed to avoid a criminal conviction. She was a pleasure to deal with throughout the whole matter.
- Client
Anastasia Qvist was very professional and helpful in every step of my matter. I got a very good outcome and I can’t thank you enough for your hard work and the Armstrong Legal team in Canberra. I would highly recommend her!!!
- Client
Throughout Angela has been the consummate professional. She maintained a calm, yet strong demeanour remained informative and completely open in her communication and took complete ownership of the situation. We felt confident we finally had an advocate to steer us out of the nightmare we were in, and she did so with great respect and sincerity. I cannot speak more highly of Angela. She has literally rescued our family from what looked very much like a hopeless future.
- Client
Words can’t describe how grateful I am to Trudie Cameron being my solicitor and to Andrew Tiedt presenting my case in the court. They both have been very supportive and amazingly professional and effective. I’ve got an absolutely fantastic outcome I couldn’t even dream about.
- Client
Soon after meeting Andrew I knew he was the solicitor I wanted to handle my matter. He immediately sprang into action which brought me stability and hope during a tumultuous time in my life. Andrew was never afraid to give me straight answers to my tough questions which is a true mark of integrity. He is clearly at ease in the court environment and I believe his calm and measured demeanour went a long way to helping me secure the best result from my day in court. I would certainly recommend you approach Andrew if you need assistance.
- Client
"Andrew Tiedt was very professional and considerate to personal circumstances and gave sound advice that resulted in the best outcome possible. Highly recommended."
-

This article was written by Fernanda Dahlstrom - Content Editor - Brisbane
Fernanda Dahlstrom has a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She has also completed a Master’s in Writing and Literature. Fernanda practised law for eight years, working in criminal defence, child protection and domestic violence law in the Northern Territory and in family law in Queensland.
What is the Legal Drinking Age? (WA)
The sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in Western Australia is regulated by the Liquor Control Act 1988. The act establishes a number of offences relating to selling or supplying alcohol to a person who is below the legal drinking age in WA. It also makes it illegal to allow juveniles into licensed premises, except in particular circumstances.
The legal drinking age in WA is 18.
Licensed premises and juveniles
Juveniles are not allowed into licensed premises in Western Australia unless:
- They are accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian;
- They are there to have a meal;
- They are employed at the premises;
- They are a member of the family of the licensee;
Or in a number of other specific circumstances set out in section 120 of the act.
It is an offence to sell or supply alcohol to a juvenile on licensed premises or to permit a juvenile to consume alcohol on licensed premises. This offence attracts a penalty of a fine of up to $10,000 for the licensee or manager and up to $$4,000 for any other person.
It is an offence for an adult to purchase alcohol on behalf of a juvenile at licensed premises. When this occurs both the adult and the juvenile face a fine of $2,000.
It is an offence for the parent or guardian of a juvenile to leave the juvenile unaccompanied at licensed premises without first informing the licensee or an employee. This is punishable by a fine of $2,000.
Juveniles and unlicensed premises
A person must not supply alcohol to a person who is below the legal drinking age in WA on unlicensed premises unless they are the parent or guardian of the young person or have the permission of their parent or guardian. The penalty for doing so is a fine of $10,000.
A person must not supply alcohol to a juvenile even with the permission of their parent or guardian if:
- The parent or guardian is drunk when they give permission;
- The person is drunk;
- The juvenile is drunk;
- The person is unable to supervise the juvenile’s consumption of alcohol.
Offences by juveniles
A juvenile commits an offence if they purchase or obtain or try to purchase or obtain or consume alcohol. This offence can attract a penalty of $2,000.
Sending juvenile to get liquor
It is an offence to send a person, knowing or believing the person to be below the legal drinking age in WA, to licensed premises to obtain alcohol. This is punishable by a fine of $2,000.
Defences
It is a defence to an offence involving the sale or supply of alcohol to a juvenile if:
- The juvenile was a family member of the licensee or a person employed or living at the premises; or
- The juvenile was the spouse or de facto partner of a lodger at the premises.
It is a defence to an offence where the accused sold or supplied alcohol to the juvenile, that:
- The juvenile was aged 16 or older and the accused believed on reasonable grounds that they were an adult.
Identification
When a staff member at licensed premises suspect a person is below the legal drinking age in WA, they are allowed to ask the person their age and for evidence of that age such as a driver’s licence or passport. If the person fails to produce proof that they are over 18, they can be asked to leave the premises.
A person who fails to leave the premises when asked to do so, or produces fake ID, can be fined $2,000.
If staff believe that an identification document that is presented to them is false, they may confiscate it.
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.
The offence of assaulting a public officer is classified as a serious assault in Western Australia. The penalties which can…
On 9 July 2020, the Family Violence Legislation Reform Act 2020 established two new offences under the Criminal Code. These were…
WHERE TO NEXT?
If you suspect that you may be under investigation, or if you have been charged with an offence, it is vital to get competent legal advice as early as possible. Our lawyers are highly specialised in criminal law and will be able to guide you through the process while dealing with the various authorities related to your matter.
WHY CHOOSE ARMSTRONG LEGAL?
Sydney Office
Level 35
201 Elizabeth Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Melbourne Office
Level 13
575 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Brisbane Office
Level 5
91 North Quay
Brisbane QLD 4000
Canberra Office
Level 9
Nishi, 2 Phillip Law Street
Canberra ACT 2601
Perth Office
Suite 207
22 St Georges Terrace Perth