Bar skills plan for parents of teens

  •  Parents should take bar courses for teen parties - experts
  •  Police say move could help quell out-of-control parties
  •  Most adults "clueless" on providing safe settings for drinking


PARENTS throwing parties for teenagers should be given bartender-style training, experts say.

The Australian Drug Foundation is considering setting up online courses for adults hosting alcohol-fuelled teen bashes.

ADF chief executive John Rogerson said parents should undergo training similar to a Responsible Service of Alcohol course - a legal requirement for bar staff - but without the costs.

"Putting parents through an RSA is a really good idea for parents who are serving alcohol (but) we actually need to have a simple process for parents online," Mr Rogerson said.

Police backed the initiative, saying it could mean less call-outs to wild house parties.

Security expert Naomi Oakley called for RSAs to be mandatory for parents hosting house parties for youngsters.

The former policewoman and U-Nome Security founder said most adults were clueless when it came to providing safe settings for drinking, and an RSA would teach parents about safe service and monitoring intoxication levels.

"I've seen kids scull a bottle of liquor before they get in the party," she said. "It leads to fighting, it leads to sex in the bushes."

The Victorian Government and the ADF are about to begin seminars for parents on the secondary supply laws passed last year.

It is now illegal in Victoria to supply minors with alcohol in a private home without permission from their parents.

Adults can face fines of more than $7000 for breaking the law.

Souce: Herald Sun Adelaide - 17 Feb 2012

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