Almost 400 cans and bottles of alcohol have been seized from a supermarket in the Sydney suburb of Belmore, after Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors found the venue was operating without a liquor licence.
The alcohol was not on public display, but was served by staff from a cool room at the back of the store. The inspectors visited the store during a covert compliance at the end of May and were able to buy alcohol. In total the inspectors seized 393 bottles and cans of alcohol from the cool room, including beer and soju.
The regulator’s Director of Compliance Operations, Sean Goodchild, said inquiries into the matter are ongoing.
“Selling alcohol without a valid licence is among the most serious offences under the NSW Liquor Act,” Goodchild said.
“The offence carries maximum penalties of an $11,000 fine and/or 12 months imprisonment.”
The regulator said that there are stringent rules for the retail sale of liquor in NSW to ensure responsible service and prevent minors’ access to alcohol.
The licensing process assesses the suitability of a licensee and impacts of a licence on the local community.
Bottle shop operators must also complete licensee training and RSA training to be eligible to hold a licence.
Anyone with information about unlicensed alcohol sales should contact Liquor & Gaming NSW on 1300 024 720 or use the online feedback form on the Liquor & Gaming NSW website.