Sydney Venues Fined $20,000 for License Infringements

By Ian Neubauer

NSW Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene has warned Sydney licensees to stay on their toes after nine venues were fined a total of $20,900 for various breaches of the 2007 Liquor Act.

The breaches were discovered during a weekend crackdown on November 1 and 2 that saw undercover inspectors from the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) pose as patrons at licensed venues in the George Street entertainment precinct, Surry Hills, Kings Cross and Darlinghurst.

“Some licensed venues are failing to meet basic responsible service of alcohol requirements and the operators are showing a total disregard for the responsible service and consumption of alcohol,” the Minister said.

“Two venues where multiple serious breaches were detected will now have their liquor licence reviewed,” he said, adding that the Government will now move to impose new licence conditions to improve security for patrons and staff. He did not elaborate on what the new conditions would be.

Breaches noted during the crackdown include the discovery of 14 intoxicated patrons in five licensed venues, with on-the-spot fines of $1100 issued for each offence.

A George Streeet bar was also fined $1100 for breaching a special licence condition requiring it to remove all glass from the floor before midnight. The special condition was imposed following the reporting of numerous glassings and alcohol-related assaults at the venue.

Three nightclubs were also fined $1100 each for failing to have food available to patrons, while a Kings Cross hotel will face disciplinary charges after inspectors witnessed staff drinking shots with patrons.

“Liquor laws are designed to reduce the impact of alcohol consumption on local communities and increase public safety,” the Minister said.

“Licensees must ensure high levels of compliance to reduce intoxication levels and the associated community impacts such as assaults, malicious damage and offensive conduct.”

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[Wed 05/11/2008 03:58:52]