When you are Partying
For many people, going to cafes, nightclubs, bars and other public venues is a regular part of their social routine. By considering a number of simple personal safety strategies these outings can be both enjoyable and safe. For example:
- plan how you and your friends will return to your accommodation safely, e.g. taxi, friend's car etc; and
- get involved in other activities, e.g. dancing or playing pool.
TourSafe Tip: Drink in moderation.
Some Queensland laws about alcohol
- You must be aged 18 years or older to drink alcohol in Queensland.
- You may be refused entry to licensed premises if you cannot produce photographic identification and proof of your age.
- Hotel staff can refuse you entry to licensed premises for any reason.
- In Queensland, it is an offence to drink alcohol or possess an opened alcoholic drink in a public place.
- It is an offence for a publican or bar staff to serve someone they believe is drunk.
Tips for avoiding spiked drinks
Here are a number of simple options, to help reduce the likelihood of having your drink spiked (drinks which have had alcohol or another intoxicating drug or substance added to them):
- avoid leaving drinks unattended - if you do, discard them upon your return
- know what you are drinking
- buy your own drinks
- if you are given a drink, make sure it is from an unopened container
- only accept drinks from trusted people and watch bar staff make your drink
- if someone offers to buy you a drink, go up to the bar with that person and accept the drink there
- do not drink from a container that is being passed around or is used for mixed drinks such as punch
- watch your friends as well as anyone acting suspiciously. If a friend appears to become intoxicated in an unusually short amount of time, take them to a safe place immediately.
TourSafe Tip:
If you start to feel very drunk in an unusually short time in comparison to the amount of drinks you have consumed, your drink may have been spiked. Tell your friend(s), security or the bar manager quickly - waiting even a few minutes may put you at risk.
It is illegal to possess illicit or dangerous drugs, such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine or ecstasy, in Queensland. You should know that ...
- Marijuana, while decriminalised in some countries, is illegal in Queensland.
- A drug conviction can result in imprisonment in Australia, and/or your deportation from Australia, and/or your visa being cancelled.
For a range of personal safety strategies to assist you, visit the Personal Safety section on the Queensland Police Service Internet site.
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