NSW venues continue to feel the strong arm of the law, with the state government today announcing it has drawn its focus to novelty drinks and promotions.
It’s been an intense several months for the venue scene, and following the closure of The Imperial Hotel and strict lockout laws claiming numerous victims, the Office Of Liquor, Gaming and Racing has issued a press release stating they have clamped down on gimmicky and novelty drinks and promotions.
Since 2014, OLGR has investigated 101 cases of promotions that they “deemed to encourage reckless drinking and intoxication”, and 44 of them resulted in formal bans and restrictions.
Novelty drinks such as cocktails served in milk bottles and plastic bags or giant glasses and items such as vodka-infused lollies came under fire, as well as shot buckets and some promotions that offered free alcohol and events that encouraged binge drinking.
Venues that were deemed to be serving alcohol irresponsibly under these conditions not only faced bans or restrictions, but were potentially whacked with a fine of $5,500.
OLGR Director of Compliance and Enforcement Anthony Keon said they would continue to target venues that promoted “reckless drinking and intoxication for the sake of profits”.
“We are not about stifling business innovation or healthy competition but setting clear expectations for the conduct of liquor promotions which can significantly influence how patrons consume alcohol and behave on licensed premises,” Keon said.
Keon went on to say that the reason for the crackdowns was due to their belief that poorly managed promotions contributed to alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and violence.
