A business owner in Pendle Hill has been fined $13,000 in the Downing Centre Local Court after pleading guilty to multiple offences, including selling alcohol without a licence.
The prosecution followed an investigation by Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW), which included a covert operation resulting in the seizure of 50 liquor products from the premises operating under the name Meat4U.
The business had its liquor licence suspended in June 2023 after failing to pay its annual renewal. Despite notifying L&GNSW that it had ceased liquor sales, the owner continued to sell alcohol via the Meat4U website.
The breach was brought to the attention of authorities through a public tip-off in November 2023.
The court convicted the owner on all three offences, imposing a total fine of $13,000.
L&GNSW Acting Executive Director of Regulatory Operations Bernadette Beard said the case should serve as a warning to other operators.
“Our inspectors conduct regular covert and overt compliance operations around the state, and businesses caught breaking the law face fines of up to $11,000 per offence, one year’s jail, or both under the Liquor Act 2007,” Beard said.
“Licensees can also be referred to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority for further complaint action.”
Beard stressed the importance of compliance among liquor sellers.
“Operators of licensed venues have important responsibilities that must be adhered to when selling or supplying liquor,” she said.
“This includes the requirement for all staff to undergo Responsible Service of Alcohol training to minimise alcohol-related harms, including preventing minors buying liquor, the supply of liquor to intoxicated persons, and anti-social behaviour.”
Under NSW law, alcohol found in the possession of individuals guilty of unlicensed liquor sales is subject to seizure and forfeiture.