Venues in New South Wales have been reminded that Liquor& Gaming NSW (LGNSW) officers regularly conducts both overt and covert compliance operations, after almost 100 bottles were seized from a venue caught selling liquor without a licence.
LGNSW conducted a covert operation at Mad Down Under Bar and Grill North Ryde earlier this month and were allegedly sold alcohol, despite the venue not holding a liquor licence. The regulator said the venue had received previous warnings from its offices and NSW Police, but continued to sell alcohol.
After being allegedly sold the alcohol on 6 March, LGNSW officers then seized 98 bottles of alcohol and two kegs of beer, which will be held as part of an ongoing investigation and may be forfeited.
Liquor & Gaming NSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations, Jane Lin, said selling alcohol without a licence was one of the most serious offences under the NSW Liquor Act, attracting fines of up to $11,000, one year in jail, or both.
“When a venue does not hold a liquor licence, the risk is that its operator may not be aware of, or adhere to, responsibilities under liquor legislation, and is not subject to the same controls as other premises,” Lin said.
“Those controls are essential to managing alcohol-related harms, including safeguarding against minors buying liquor, alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour.
“Staff serving alcohol at the premises may also not have Responsible Service of Alcohol training, which further increases the risk of harm occurring.”
Venues are reminded that Liquor & Gaming NSW conducts both overt and covert compliance operations to check for venues selling alcohol without a licence and takes strong enforcement action against unlicensed sellers.