No one wants the embarrassment of being barred from a local hotel, especially when you aren't even 18 yet.
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The Parkes Shire Liquor Accord are reminding teenagers about the RETHINK THAT SNEAKY DRINK campaign which was launched in 2017.
The campaign targets underage drinking and so far has seen half a dozen Parkes minors banned from all licensed venues within the accord for 12 months from their 18th birthday.
Parkes Shire Liquor Accord Vice President, Nick Kelly said the gravity of being barred from the pub when you have just turned 18 until you're 19 is felt not just by the kid that gets caught but by their friends also.
"It puts the risk into perspective and hopefully makes them think twice!" Nick said.
Parkes Shire Council and the local police have endorsed the campaign and hope it will continue to encourage minors to think about their actions when it comes to drinking alcohol.
Officer in charge of Parkes Police, Chief Inspector Dave Cooper strongly supports this initiative from the Parkes Shire Liquor Accord.
"Parkes Police are keen to work collaboratively with the Liquor Accord members and this program sets a high standard," he said.
"What I want is for our young people to be able to enjoy an 18th birthday drink at their local hotel or club - but if they get caught drinking underage that can't happen.
"My advice to those young people thinking about sneaking in and using false ID to get a sneaky drink - don't do it, t's just not worth it."
Parents and minors must understand the impact of a minor unlawfully entering and consuming alcohol in a licensed premise.
Minors consuming alcohol in a licensed premise is felt mostly by the licensed premise itself.
Whilst minors are held accountable for their actions when caught, it is the licensed premises that face far more serious consequences.
Offences involving the sale and supply of alcohol to minors in a licensed premise can result in the licensee and/or staff being imprisoned for up to 12 months (in the most serious cases) and/or $11,000 fines for each drink sold or supplied to a minor.
Parkes Shire Liquor Accord President Bianca Sheridan said the campaign has been implemented in liquor accords across NSW and has seen some great results in terms of reducing underage drinking and associated offenses.
"We are proud as an accord to be working toward that same positive change for our community," she said.
The Parkes Shire Liquor Accord also continues to support the Barred from one, barred from all initiative minimising alcohol related violence and other offensive behaviours to ensure the safety of all patrons and staff in venue.
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