2. Planning a public event

There are some legal matters you need to be aware of before you plan your event, especially if your event is going to be held on a licensed premises or if you require a licence for the event.


Sale of alcohol to minors & minors on premises

It is illegal for those under 18 years to purchase alcohol or to enter some licensed premises (those premises with a ‘restricted’ designation on their licence, and those with a “supervised” designation  if they enter without their legal parent or guardians). There are implications for both the supplier/licensee and the purchaser. Please check the relevant sections of the Act:

Section 239 - Sale or supply of alcohol to people under purchase age on or from licensed premises
Section 240 - Exemptions in respect of licensed premises
Section 243 - Buying of alcohol by people under purchase age


Supply of alcohol to minors

It is also illegal for anyone to supply alcohol to those under 18 years without the express consent of their legal parent or guardian.  Any alcohol supplied to those under 18 years must be done so in a responsible manner.  Please check the relevant sections of the Act and other section of ActionPoint: 


Drink driving limits

The legal alcohol limit for driving is ZERO for those under 20 years and 50mcg/100mls (0.05) of blood for other drivers.  If people are driving to your event you must take this into consideration. Click here for more information on drink driving.


Allowing an unlicensed event for people to gather specifically to drink

Place of Resort – It is illegal to allow an unlicensed premises to be used as a place of resort for the consumption of alcohol. Sections 235 and 236 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 outline the offences related to this.  

The Police have issued guidance on this - please click here.

For further information, you can read the following legal summary - please click here.