Alcohol consumption among youth aged 14-24 increased between 1993 and 1998 in both metropolitan and rural areas of Australia. Proportionally, in 1998 there were more alcohol consumers and more hazardous and harmful drinkers among youth in rural Australia. Rural youth aged 14-19 years were less likely to experience alcohol-related personal abuse than their metropolitan counterparts, but they were more likely to experience property disorder. For rural youth aged 20-24, the patterns were the complete opposite, suggesting that different factors were operating. Research supports the conclusions that pubs and clubs in rural areas are important social venues for young people; in these establishments, excessive alcohol consumption and the associated disorder are commonplace; and both the excessive alcohol consumption and related disorders are possibly even tolerated. Tables, references