Underage teens now ordering alcohol from adults online

Underage Melbourne teens are using Airtasker to fuel their dangerous habits, by commissioning adults to do things that would otherwise be illegal for them.

For as little as $5, underage Melbourne teens are getting booze delivered on demand.

Kids are avoiding legal ID checks by commissioning adults to buy alcohol for them and having it delivered through online outsourcing website Airtasker.

Posts found on the site by the Herald Sun reveal how people use the site to get sometimes massive quantities of alcohol delivered to them, no questions asked.

Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education chief executive Michael Thorn said the practice was a deep concern for people working in the sector and warned parents to remain vigilant.

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“Parents should be concerned that children’s drinking is facilitated by services like Airtasker,” he said.

“The supply to young people under the age of 18 is emerging as a significant risk with online providers.

“There is an obligation on Airtasker to inform the people associated with the business to communicate.

“They have a duty to ensure they are not supplying to someone under the age of 18.”

Mr Thorn urged the Australian company to take more responsibility for the way people were using the site.

Underage people are using Airtasker as a way of avoiding having their ID checked.

Posts reveal how people use the site to get alcohol delivered to them, no questions asked.

For as little as $5, underage Melbourne teens are getting booze delivered on demand.

Sydney-based Airtasker CEO Tim Fung would not comment on whether the platform had plans to crack down on the illegal practice happening on his platform.

“We believe that everyone should respect the rules and ensure that they aren’t doing anything unlawful — whether using an online marketplace or otherwise,” he said in a statement.

“We aim to build a positive community that empowers people to realise the value of their skills in a safe and trusted environment through technology … as well as personal and public liability insurance.”

Airtasker chief executive Tim Fung would not comment on whether the platform had plans to crack down on the illegal practice. Picture: Adam Taylor

Victoria Police said this was just the latest example in a long history of underage kids finding ways to get their hands on alcohol, and that they were evolving practices accordingly.

Late last year, a change to the Liquor Control Reform Act made it an offence to knowingly deliver alcohol to a minor without a reasonable excuse.

That included deliveries where the alcohol was ordered on the Airtasker app.

Posts on Airtasker reveal how people use the site to sometimes get massive quantities of alcohol delivered to them, no questions asked.

“We know the negative impact alcohol can have on young people — that’s why we’ve made important changes to the relevant legislation.” Minister for Gambling, Liquor and Regulation Marlene Kairouz said.

“Adults who illegally supply alcohol to minors can be fined up to $19,000.

“I expect anyone who is caught will face the full force of the law.”

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