Organising a Party

Parties are fun, right?  It won’t be as much fun if you have the police knocking on the door, or if your neighbours tell you off over the fence the next day.

Neighbourhood Relations

You should tell your close neighbours when you are going to have a party and at what time you expect it to finish; this can stop complaints.  If you plan to have music outside, tell your neighbours, and also tell them what time you will turn the outside music off.

If it is an underage party, you should tell the police so they are aware and can respond to ‘gatecrashers’.  Don’t worry – registering a party will not automatically invite the police to your home. Police will not attend the party unless there is a request from the person throwing the party, a concerned parent or a neighbour; or it is in the public interest in order to maintain community order and safety.

The Guest List

You may want to consider who you want at your party.  Inviting your friends? Great!  Inviting friends of friends of friends? Not so much.

  • You might consider having some form of security to prevent “gatecrashers”.
  • Make sure you only send invitations in ways that members of the public cannot access your details. For example, if you invite your friends through a Facebook event, make sure it’s set to private.
  • For a big event, you could keep a guest list and make sure only invited guests are allowed in.
  • Make sure you have adequate responsible adult supervision at the venue.

Can the music go up to 11?

You must be respectful of your neighbours’ right to enjoy their peace and quiet. If you play music (inside or outside of your house) it must be at a level that does not interfere with any of your neighbours.

For example, if your neighbours can clearly hear it inside their house or if you can’t have a regular conversation over the music, it is too loud.  If you play music inside, keep all windows and doors closed.  If you have speakers outside of the house, make sure they are not facing directly towards your neighbours, and make sure you turn the outside music off at the time you told your neighbours you would.

Depending on the volume, intensity and duration of the music and the time it is played you could be fined for excessive noise levels.

If you plan on throwing a party with music, consider the followings tips:

  • close all windows and doors if playing music inside;
  • don’t place speakers outside of the house;
  • don’t let the party run too late; and
  • let the neighbours know you are having a party in advance and let them know what time you expect the party to finish.

Can you drink alcohol at your party?

In Tasmania, you can’t drink alcohol in public if you are under 18. If you are under 18 and you drink alcohol in public you could be charged with underage drinking.

It is generally illegal to supply alcohol to anyone under 18.  In Tasmania, a parent or guardian can supply alcohol to someone under 18 on private property as long as they are providing proper supervision.

Whatever your age you should never leave your drink unattended. Drink spiking (with drugs or alcohol) is illegal, but does take place. Where possible you should watch your drink being made and never accept an opened drink from anyone you don’t know or trust.

Party Safe?

Tasmania Police have a Party Safe Program.  You can download a copy of the Party Safe Registration Form from their website and email it back.  Make sure you register your party at least seven days before the big day.

Make sure you keep the volume down – in Tasmania the fine for excessive noise is quite significant.