Restaurant fined for only offering a pretzel
A restaurant in Newcastle has been ordered to pay thousands of dollars for operating as a bar after inspectors found the only item available on the menu after 9pm was a “German-style pretzel”.
Liquor and Gaming NSW inspectors found that the 5 Sawyers restaurant ceased its full food menu after 9pm and was selling alcohol accompanied by no food other than pretzels. They also spotted a sign near the front entrance that read “A Bar With Food”.
About 92 per cent of total sales were from alcohol from 8pm to 1am, according to records, with food sales accounting for just 7 per cent.
The restaurant was issued with a $1200 fine and had to pay $3,500 in legal costs after licensee Benjamin Dewson was found guilty of running the venue as a bar.
“There should be a clear and consistent message that there must be full compliance with liquor licence requirements,” Magistrate David Price said.
Sheridan Randall, 27th August 2018
