Serial drink driver stripped of liquor licence
The owner and licensee of a Port Macquarie restaurant has had his liquor license disqualified for five years after being found guilty of being intoxicated in his own venue, as well as driving under the influence of alcohol.
Mr Joel Murdoch, the owner and licensee of Botanic Wine Bar Port Macquarie, was captured via CCTV on 15 July 2017, consuming alcohol and supplying it to four female patrons as well as staff members.
The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority found that under the Liquor Act 2007, Mr Murdoch was not considered to be a ‘fit and proper person’ to hold a liquor licence.
Philip Crawford, chair of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA), stated that each person involved in this incident displayed obvious signs of intoxication.
“The licensee and his patrons are seen swaying, dropping trays, falling off stools and dancing on furniture,” Mr Crawford said.
“The licensee was observed smoking inside the venue and both the licensee and patrons were drinking each other’s drinks.
“When he left the premises, Mr Murdoch drove a vehicle and was subsequently stopped by NSW Police and charged with drink driving after they recorded a high range blood alcohol level.”
His drink driving conviction led to a 15 month imprisonment with a non-parole period of three months. On top of this, Mr Murdoch was issued with three penalty notices amounting to $3300 for his role as licensee.
In addition to his jail term, police issued three penalty notices worth $3,300 to Mr Murdoch in his role as a licensee and for allowing intoxication at a licenced venue, supplying liquor to people who were intoxicated and not supplying liquor in accordance with his authority.
ILGA have banned Mr Murdoch from holding a licence for five years and new licence condition preventing him and his staff from drinking on the premises is now in place.
“The seriousness of his conduct is underscored by a history of convictions for significant alcohol-related driving offences in the years leading up to the incident,” Mr Crawford said.
“Mr Murdoch had already been convicted of drink driving on three other occasions during 2008 to 2012.
“Licensees simply cannot exhibit this behaviour and expect to be considered responsible enough to manage service of alcohol to others.
“The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority’s decision demonstrates our role in protecting the public through the maintenance of standards laid down in the Act.”
Even though Mr Murdoch isn’t able to hold a liquor licence for the next 5 years, he still remains owner of the business.
Irit Jackson, 8th August 2020
