By Triana O'Keefe, editor Australian Hotelier
In a decision handed down in Downing Centre Local Court last week, Sydney’s Hotel Chambers’ licensee has been convicted of a licence breach, fined $2,000 and ordered to pay $1,500 in legal costs, and his venue has incurred a first strike under the Three Strikes disciplinary scheme.
The licensee, Chady Khouzame, pleaded guilty after failing to comply with a condition of his hotel licence by letting two women into his CBD venue after the 1:30am lockout requirement.
Khouzame claimed the women were employees of his venue however investigation revealed only one of the women worked at the hotel.
OLGR director of compliance and enforcement Anthony Keon said the conviction should serve as a warning to other licensees.
"Licensed venues in the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross precincts need to abide by their licence requirements and the special conditions that are in place to reduce alcohol-related violence and other harm or they will face regulatory action," Keon said.
"Strict adherence to the lockout is expected by all licensees. This decision should be a strong reminder that a lockout means that from 1.30am there is to be no entry or re-entry for any patrons – including no exceptions and no special treatment for any patrons that are family or friends."