By Triana O’Keefe, editor Australian Hotelier
In a NSW first, two former Kings Cross bar operators have been issued life bans from holding a liquor licence after a series of breaches and complaints.
Acting Premier and Minister for Justice Troy Grant has described the sanctions against the Déjà Vu operators John Barakat and Dominic Kaikaty as the toughest yet.
Barakat and Kaikaty operated the venue from January 2013 to March 2014 when its liquor licence was suspended and the pair was fined $23,000.
In accordance with the approved licence, Déjà Vu was to operate under an on-premise (restaurant) liquor licence which outlines the primary service motivation should be food. However, inspections carried out by the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) indicate the venue was operating as a bar or nightclub, with a primary purpose to sell and supply liquor.
In a decision handed down today by the State Government, the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has set a serious precedent by issuing life bans as Grant explains the NSW Liberals and National Government will not tolerate rogue licensees.
“Operating a licensed venue carries serious responsibility to the community and patron safety,” he said.
Other offences committed by the former operators include the sale and supply of liquor to minors, drug possession and ‘continuous irresponsible promotions’.
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