The NSW Liquor regulator has reminded licensed venues to ensure responsible alcohol promotions after a Newcastle hotel was caught offering patrons the chance to ‘win your height’ in UDL vodka drinks.
The promotion, which was advertised on the Facebook page and website of the King St Hotel in Newcastle West and marketed to university students during orientation week, was found to encourage irresponsible alcohol consumption.
Liquor & Gaming NSW also took action against another Newcastle hotel for an Australia Day weekend competition offering prizes of eskies with 100 cans of beer.
Liquor & Gaming NSW director of compliance operations, Sean Goodchild, said the King St Hotel complied with a formal order to stop the promotion which was advertised to take place on Friday 2 March.
“This promotion posed an unacceptable risk of excessive alcohol consumption,” he said.
The Sydney Junction Hotel at Hamilton was ordered to stop its Australia Day promotion offering patrons the chance to win eskies with 100 cans of VB beer. Patrons would receive one free entry to enter the draw with every purchase of a VB product.
“Irresponsible promotions can lead to alcohol-related violence and disturbance as well as serious health impacts for individuals,” Goodchild said.
“Promotions should not encourage irresponsible, rapid or excessive drinking, target or appeal to minors or be offensive or indecent.”
Liquor & Gaming NSW said that it targets irresponsible alcohol promotions through various measures including monitoring venues’ websites and social media channels.