By Triana O'Keefe, editor Australian Hotelier
The New South Wales Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) has released a new set of guidelines for licensees on the prevention of intoxication.
The guidelines include practical steps that licensees can take to manage the risk of intoxication and will assit operators with complaince requirements.
OLGR says that while implementing the steps is not a requirement, it is recommended to minimise the risk of prosecution under the liquor laws.
"These guidelines provide advice on the minimum steps that a licensee may need to demonstrate when defending a prosecution."
As determined by the Liquor Act 2007, the maximum penalty for selling or supplying alcohol to an intoxicated person on a licensed premise is $11,000.
The guidelines surround actions including promoting liquor responsibly, monitoring liquor consumption, implementing harm minimisation measures and the prevention of intoxication.
OLGR has also confirmed that the remaining provisions of the Liquor Act Review commenced on 1 March 2015. The Office said these provisions include, "new harm minimisation controls as well as new measures to reduce costs, increase efficiency and improve regulatory processes."
OLGR added: "These reforms aim to assist industry while ensuring appropriate community safeguards are in place to minimise alcohol-related harm."
The complete list of the intoxication guidelines can be viewed here and full details of the Liquor Act review provisions are available here.
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