Two adults were served with $1,100 penalty notices for secondary supply offences detected during a recent Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing (OLGR) compliance operation conducted during Schoolies celebrations in Byron Bay.
OLGR inspectors observed a man and woman providing two 17-year-old girls with alcohol purchased on their behalf from a bottleshop in the town.
OLGR director of compliance Anthony Keon said: "The law recognises the significant risk that alcohol consumption presents for persons under the age of 18 and strict penalties apply.
"Alcohol can only be supplied to a minor under the authorisation and supervision of the minor's parent or guardian, or someone who has been authorised by them to do so, and cannot in any circumstances occur on a licensed premises."
New requirements in relation to underage drinking come into effect on 15 December 2014 under the Liquor Legislation Amendment (Statutory Review) Act 2014.
The legislation implements commitments from the NSW Government response to the 2013 five-year statutory review of the Liquor Act 2007 and the Gaming and Liquor Administration Act 2007.
From 15 December 2014, a new escalating sanctions regime applies significant penalties where alcohol is sold to minors on licensed premises, including licence suspension and cancellation.
From 15 December 2014, additional responsible supervision controls also apply where alcohol is supplied to a minor in a private setting by a parent or guardian, or by a person authorised by a parent or guardian.