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Employing young workers in licensed premises

You must apply for permission if you are considering the employment of a person under the age of 18 years, if any of their duties involves the sale of alcohol.

You must also follow other employment rules for children.

Who can serve alcohol

Regardless of age, everyone must hold a current certificate of responsible service of alcohol (RSA).

Anyone over the age of 18 with an RSA can then serve alcohol in accordance with the law.

When you need permission

For anyone under the age of 18, you must apply to the director of liquor licensing.

Only in exceptional circumstances will children between the ages of 15 and 16 years and 8 months will be considered.

Under no circumstances can you employ a child for gaming machines.

When you don't need permission

You can employ people under 18 years on a licence premises if their role doesn't involve alcohol, such as:

  • unloading and storage of deliveries of stock, such as food or non-alcoholic drinks
  • re-stocking store rooms and refrigerators with non-alcoholic stock
  • delivery of food orders
  • delivery of non-alcoholic drinks
  • clearing of tables, including empty drink containers
  • general cleaning, maintenance and administrative duties.

You must follow other rules for the employment of children.

How to apply

To apply for approval from the director of liquor licensing, email liquorlicensing@nt.gov.au with details and evidence of the required conditions.

When assessing your application, the following factors will be considered:

  • parental or guardian approval (where appropriate)
  • the child's age and maturity
  • the size, nature and location of the licensed premises
  • the nature of the tasks to be performed
  • the quality of induction training provided
  • whether responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training has been completed
  • the quality and level of adult supervision
  • any ongoing accredited hospitality training
  • whether the child is a genuine employee
  • any restricted areas within the licensed premises, such as those with gaming machines.