Personal Choices

Smoking

In Tasmania it is an offence to sell or supply cigarettes to anyone under 18 years of age. The sale of cigarettes to children is illegal. A breach of the provisions carries a maximum fine of 120 penalty units for a first offence and 360 penalty units for subsequent offences. It is not however an offence for an individual aged under 18 to buy cigarettes. If a youth is caught smoking or a nominated officer believes that a child has smoked they may be warned or cautioned or alternatively given information about the effects of smoking. In such circumstances the child must give their name and address, the name of their parent/s and information relating to where the tobacco product was bought.

Drinking

It is an offence for a person under the age of 18 years to consume or possess liquor in a public place.  It is an offence for a person under the age of 18 to buy, purchase for another, consume or have in their possession liquor on licensed premises. The fine is a maximum of 10 penalty units.

Some licensed premises may have designated areas where persons under the age of 18 years may not enter or remain. For example, some areas allow children to remain for the purposes of having a meal or if they are in the company of a parent or guardian. The area should have a sign indicating that it is a restricted area. If a police officer suspects that an offence has been committed under the Liquor Licensing Act by a young person, that person must supply their name, address and date of birth upon request. Where such provisions exist, minors must be removed from those premises.

Tattooing and Body Piercing

It is not an offence to tattoo, modify or pierce a person under 18 years of age. If a parent or guardian consents to a child under the age of 16 having a body piercing performed, they must be present during the procedure. Youths over 16 may be pierced without parental consent. This exception does not extend to intimate piercing. Tasmania Police provides a valuable resource on this matter.