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Fines for offensive behaviour or alcohol-related conduct – new law
Date created: 09 July 2008
Applies from 1 July 2008
Under a trial scheme police may choose to issue a fine to people over 18 if they believe that person has committed any of the following offences:
- wilful damage of property where the damage is less than $500
- offensive behaviour
- indecent or obscene language
- failure by a drunk, violent or aggressive person to leave licensed premises when asked to do so
- drinking or supplying alcohol on unlicensed premises
- supplying or permitting someone to drink on unlicensed premises.
The trial means that people will not necessarily be charged and summoned to court over these common public order offences.
It is up to the police officer to apply the operational guidelines along with common sense judgement when deciding whether to proceed by infringement notice, official warning or summary charges.
Penalties
The fine for these offences is two penalty units. (See ‘Penalty & fee units’, link below, for the current value of a penalty unit.)
Payment of the fine will not be seen as admission of guilt and no conviction will be recorded.
Options for dealing with the fine
The person fined may:
- ask for an internal review of their fine
- challenge the penalty in court instead of paying the fine
- pay the fine.
Infringement notices for other offences
Fines may also be issued under the trial scheme for careless driving or shop-theft of goods valued under $600.
More information
Related publications
Your rights: police powers in Victoria
Related pages
Serving alcohol responsibly – new law
Control of alcohol related violence – new law
Related legislation
Infringements and Other Acts Amendments Act 2008 (Vic)
Related website
To find out more about each of the offences go to Frequently Asked Questions about the new infringements scheme at the Department of Justice website.