Bar tab comp leads to $2500 fine for Hotel Illawarra licensee
A pub owner in the Illawarra has been fined $2500 after a patron got so intoxicated she vomited in the venue’s toilets after winning a $100 bar tab.
Hotel Illawarra licensee Wendy Sims pleaded guilty to the charge that sprang from inspectors who saw vomit emerging from a cubicle in the women’s toilets about 12.20am, when they inspected the Keira Street venue last year.
When questioned by the inspectors, the woman said she was “really drunk” and had won a $100 bar tab at the hotel.
Liquor & Gaming NSW director of compliance operations Sean Goodchild said the hotel has been banned from running any future bar tab competitions.
“Such promotions are generally permitted but they must comply with responsible service of alcohol requirements,” he said.
“This case highlights the need for licensed venues to ensure competitions with alcohol as prizes do not endanger patrons.
“Such actions can lead to serious alcohol-related harm and jeopardise community safety. Licensees who do not appropriately manage intoxication at their venue can expect serious penalties”.
Sheridan Randall, 30th January 2019
