This weekend’s footy finals in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney signify the start of a busy period for pubs, clubs and hotels across the country with regulators and associations keen to remind licensees of their responsibilities during the busy times.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR), said that this was a good time to check liquor licence responsibilities and ensure that your venue or club is ready for the busy period.
The VCGLR said licensees should ensure their staff:
- understand your licence conditions especially maximum patron capacity restrictions and trading hours
- serve alcohol responsibly and know how to refuse service to intoxicated customers
- do not allow entry to a drunk or disorderly person and have a plan to manage this
- understand the laws relating to minors and ask for acceptable forms of ID
- promote free drinking water
- check that alcohol is only consumed within your red line area.
In addition the VCGLR said that other measures venues can consider include limiting the number of drinks a customer can purchase, use plastic glasses, provide food and serve alcohol in standard drink sizes.
The AHA NSW Director of Liquor and Policing John Green, told TheShout: “This time of year sees the commencement of a range of events across NSW, from footy finals to spring racing carnivals, leading into end of year work functions.
“Venues work closely with police and the regulator throughout the year – and particularly during larger events – to ensure they allow people to have a good time without going overboard and risking safety, or sanctions.
“Patrons attending end-of-season events or similar functions should be entitled to let their hair down, but there are both behavioural and legislative responsibilities which govern what they can and can’t do.
“Next week’s long weekend will see hotels granted an extra two hours trade on Sunday between 10pm and midnight following the Rugby League final.”