Safe party behaviours

Alcohol

When you consume excessive amounts of alcohol you greatly increase your potential of becoming a victim of crime or being involved in criminal activity. Remember to drink and act responsibly.

To ensure you have a safe night out:

  • plan a safe way home
  • don’t pre-load before events – you risk missing out on all the fun
  • don’t leave your drink unattended and make sure you watch your friends’ drinks
  • it’s ok to say no if friends offer you more alcohol than you had planned to drink
  • look after your friends and be aware of what is happening around you
  • don’t let a stranger buy you a drink
  • if you are drinking, make sure you eat before you go out and drink plenty of water throughout the night
  • know your drinking limit and stick to it. Remember everybody handles alcohol differently and don’t try and keep up with your mates
  • alcohol and drugs don’t mix. Don’t risk it
  • know what an Australian standard drink is.

For information on resources and support services available visit the Drugs and Alcohol page.

Drink spiking

Drink spiking occurs when a drug or more alcohol is secretly placed in a person's drink.

Remember to keep an eye on your drink at all times and:

  • never accept drinks from people you don’t know
  • ask a friend to mind your drink if you need to leave it
  • use something to cover your drink when you’re not drinking it.

If you see someone acting strange, or appearing excessively drunk and disorderly despite not having much to drink, do not leave them alone and make sure to seek help.

If any serious signs occur such as vomiting, passing out or becoming incoherent call 000 immediately. 

Drink spiking is a crime. If you think your drink has been spiked, contact police on 131 444 to report the incident or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

For more information on drink spiking visit the Alcohol Think Again website.

Hosting a party

Hosting a party at home or at a local venue can be a lot of fun. You and your guests want to have a great night and remember it for all the right reasons.

Here are some helpful tips when preparing to host a party:

  • lock away valuable or fragile items
  • food is important when serving alcohol, it helps to slow down the rate that alcohol is absorbed into the system. It’s a good idea to serve food at regular intervals during the night
  • try to avoid advertising your party using the internet, SMS, email distribution lists, online notice boards, social networking sites or word of mouth. This will lessen the chances of gatecrashers turning up at the event
  • make the start and finish times clear on your invitation
  • ensure the invite states ‘Invite Only’ to avoid uninvited guests
  • clearly state if your party is alcohol free, BYO or if alcohol will be supplied
  • ensure there is a phone in case of emergency and that you have a well-stocked first aid kit
  • be mindful of your obligations as the host, stay in control and sober so that you are able to deal with any problems or emergencies
  • gatecrash-proof your party by having a responsible person stand at the door that can discourage gatecrashers from entering. It can also be a good idea to hire private security guards to stand at the door for larger parties
  • notify police of your party using the Party Registration Form so we can assist if things get out of control.

If you are hosting a party where there will be minors you should ensure that:

  • they do not have any access to alcohol
  • their parents know where they are and who they are with
  • a safe way home is arranged
  • the parents of anyone who turns up intoxicated are contacted immediately.

Alcohol and youth

ACT Policing actively targets underage drinking and the supply of alcohol to a minor.

Driving on a learner or provisional license under the influence of alcohol is illegal. Legislation restricts you to a blood-alcohol concentration limit of zero. Loss of license and penalties apply.

Party drugs

In contrast to prescription drugs, illicit drugs are not manufactured in controlled environments under strict quality standards. Some of the side effects of illegal drugs could actually limit your ability to have the 'good time' you might have thought the drug was going to provide.

If you have taken something and start feeling strange, don’t hope it’ll pass, as it may not. Immediately get help from a friend or someone you trust. If you see a friend behaving oddly, help them stay out of trouble.

Remember if you think the matter is life threatening call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Drug taking is not only illegal but can lead to a range of problems including:

  • mental health issues, over-dose related deaths
  • transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C and other blood borne viruses
  • addiction
  • increase risk of becoming involved in crime
  • family and social difficulties
  • penalties for drug possession start from $100 fines and range up to $250 000 fines and life imprisonment for more serious offences.

One drug related offence is all it takes to affect your future - your career, your ability to gain security clearances, your travel plans as you will not be able to enter certain countries if you have a drug conviction, your finances and more. It's not worth it.

Visit our Drugs and the Law page for more information.

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