VIPs to get free booze at The Star
The Star casino has lifted its prohibition on free booze for VIPs.
According to Margin Call, the entertainment venue put the ban in place while it sorted out its brand rehabilitation following the Bell Report’s damning findings regarding its behaviour.
Author of the report Adam Bell created a 946-page report of The Star’s failures, which was published last November.
The report found patrons were being plied with free alcohol as an inducement to keep gambling.
The Star never officially put the prohibition in place, however thought it best to stop the free flow of alcohol.
That attitude now seems to be changing, as Margin Call reports a litany of lobbying is going on behind the scenes to have CEO Robbie Cooke turn the taps back on.
The Star has been liaising with the NSW Independent Casino Commission to get its blessing to do so.
The NICC said last month: “The Star voluntarily ceased the service of free liquor to patrons following the release of the Bell Report, but following numerous requests from The Star, the NICC has since not objected to the service of free liquor in certain circumstances.”
Margin Call reports that the NICC’s caveats would be the free booze isn’t served on the main gambling floor, and cannot be used as a nudge for further gambling.
“The NICC will monitor this issue closely over the coming months,” it said.
“The casino operators have also been reminded of their Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) obligations.”
Jonathan Jackson, 12th September 2023
