WHAT IS THE LEGAL DRINKING AGE IN BALI??
Bali is different from the rest of the country as the alcohol laws there are more relaxed. But the official drinking age there is 21 years old, according to law. This means that if you are 20 years old and below, you are not supposed to consume or purchase any kind of liquor, or any beverage with alcohol in its ingredients. The same rules apply to liquor store owners or bartenders, as they cannot sell or encourage anyone below 21 to consume liquor, even with their consent.
In large tourist areas like Seminyak and Canggu, alcohol is widely available at bars, nightclubs and restaurants and many young tourists have noted online that enforcement of minimum drinking age laws at such venues can be inconsistent. However, what is clear is that it is illegal and the imposition of penalties can be incurred should a traveller consume alcohol when under the age of 21.
IS THERE A LEGAL DRINKING AGE IN BALI FOR TRAVELLERS?
There has been a common misunderstanding with travellers to Bali that they are exempt from this rule because in their home country they’re allowed to drink at 18 years of age. This is untrue. The Bali drinking age for tourists is also set at 21 years of age. This means that tourists or foreigners in Bali must also comply with the Country’s laws.
Travellers are always warned that if they are under 21 years old, it is best not to partake in illegal alcohol consumption. It is always
WHAT ARE THE PENALIES IN BALI FOR UNDERAGE DRINKING?
The most common penalty for underage drinking is the imposition of a fine. However, should the consumption of alcohol including other criminal acts then an imprisonment sentence can be imposed. The aggravation of committing offences whilst intoxicate would be taken into account by a sentencing court.
IS DRINKING IN A PUBLIC PLACE IN BALI AN OFFENCE?
Like Australia, intoxication in public places such as a beach or an area open to the public is an offence. Unless the public gathering has the licence to serve alcohol and there are regulations in place for the consumption of alcohol it is an offence. The embarrassment of attending court for public nuisance offences
Further, acting in a manner which causes harm or inconvenience whilst intoxicated is an offence under Article 532 of the Indonesia Criminal Code (Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Pidana). This offence is considered a ‘misdemeanour against decency’ and carries the risk of a term of imprisonment and a fine.
LEGAL DRINKING AGE IN AUSTRALIA
The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years of age. It is illegal to purchase or consume alcohol in Australia if you are under the age of 18 years. In New South Wales, it is illegal to purchase to consume alcohol in according to the Liquor Act 2007 and the Summary Offences Act 1988.
Equally it is illegal for a licences premises to sell or give alcohol to a person aged under 18 years.
Like Bali, Australia does not permit alcohol being consumed in public places unless it is a licenced venue.
DRINK DRIVING IN AUSTRALIA
Drink driving offences are unfortunately prevalent offences in our community. The courts take a very serious view on drink driving offences, and gaol sentences can be imposed in serious examples of drink driving. Parliament has imposed serious penalties for drink driving offences.
Further, there is judgement guideline for drink driving offences in NSW. Read more about the guideline here.
PENALTIES
The penalties for drink driving vary significantly, depending on numerous factors. If you are convicted of a drinking driving offence in NSW, it is almost guaranteed that you will loose your drivers licence, be required to pay a fine and will receive a criminal record. In some instances, offenders could even face terms of imprisonment, particularly if the offence has been made on multiple occasions and include high readings or a serious collision.
First and foremost, the Court will use the alcohol reading to determine sufficient and fair punishments, relative to the drink driving offence. It is also not uncommon for the less severe penalties to be enforced if you are a first-time offender. The penalties incurred for first time drink driving, as per the PCA range are outlined below.
| PCA Level | Maximum Fine | Maximum Imprisonment | Disqualification Period | Mandatory Interlock Period |
| Novice Range | $2,200 | N/A | Automatic – 6 months Minimum – 3 months |
N/A |
| Special Range | $2,200 | N/A | Automatic– 6 months Minimum– 3 months |
N/A |
| Low Range | $2,200 | N/A | Automatic – 6 months Minimum – 3 months |
N/A |
| Mid Range | $2,200 | 9 months | 3-6 months | 12 months |
| High Range | $3,300 | 18 months | 6-9 months | 24 months |
Alternatively, if the offence has occurred a second time in a 5 year period, the penalties will be more severe. The maximum penalties incurred for second time drink driving offences, as per the PCA range are outline below:
| PCA Level | Maximum Fine | Maximum Imprisonment | Disqualification Period | Mandatory Interlock Period |
| Novice Range | $3,300 | N/A | 1-3 months | 12 months |
| Special Range | $3,300 | N/A | 1-3 months | 12 months |
| Low Range | $3,300 | N/A | 1-3 months | 12 months |
| Mid Range | $3,300 | 12 months | 6-9 months | 2 years |
| High Range | $5,500 | 2 years | 9-12 months | 4 years |
CONTACT US:
Contact Criminal Lawyers Group on 0424 230 074 or via email at info@criminallawyersgroup.com.au if you have been charged with a traffic offence. Our team is committed to obtaining the best results for your case, ensuring that you receive comprehensive legal support every step of the way
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