By Vanessa Cavasinni, editor Australian Hotelier
The Steyne in Manly has had a strike imposed against it under New South Wales' Three Strikes scheme.
The strike was imposed after an incident last year when police found that four minors had been served alcohol on the premises. Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) ordered the closure of The Steyne for one week in July this year in relation to the offence.
While no conviction was recorded by the local magistrate, the Director of Public Prosecutions decided to appeal under the Liquor Act, and on Monday the strike was imposed against The Steyne, which will see an increase of $11,000 in licensing fees annually for the venue for the next three years.
Arthur Laundy, one of the owners of The Steyne, has told Fairfax that he is “shattered” by the result.
John Green, director of liquor and policing for AHA NSW, has come out in support of Laundy and the other owners of The Steyne.
“Since they took ownership they have cleaned up one of Sydney’s landmark hotels, creating a well-run, family friendly venue that has received praise from the police and the community.”
Green also criticised the ongoing impositions placed on the venue.
“To close one of Sydney’s most recognised and well-run hotels for a full week in July following a first offence was over the top. Now, five months later, the hotel has been handed an additional and more serious sanction in the form of a strike – for the same first offence. The severity of the penalty is grossly unfair for the offence committed.”
Venues which have three strikes imposed on them can have their liquor licences revoked.
Laundy was contacted for comment but was unavailable at the time of publication.