Drinking promotion goes down the wrong Rabbit Hole in Mackay
A Queensland club has been fined $2000 plus costs for an ‘unacceptable’ $30 drinking promotion that allowed patrons to drink as much as they could in 60 minutes.
Convictions were not recorded.
The promo led to a court appearance for The Rabbit Hole club after one woman was found passed out in a toilet.
According to CCTV footage, the woman was served 10 drinks in an hour, although Mackay
Magistrates Court heard that she’d only consumed eight.
The woman was found unresponsive on the toilet floor. Staff sat with her until paramedics arrived.
The June 2023 incident happened as part of the venue’s Ballin’ on a Budget promo. A $30 wristband came with a cup she could refill with basic spirits as many times as she wanted within the allotted time.
The Rabbit Hole operator Mackay CBD Hotel Pty Ltd was charged with failing to provide and maintain a safe environment and unacceptable practices and promotions.
Director Andrew Darveniza plead guilty to the charges. His other business Jadal Entertainment Pty Ltd, which runs FLNDRS Bar and Nightclub in Townsville was also found guilty of holding the same promo. The venue was fined $5000.
In her sentencing, Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan noted Darveniza showed remorse and insight.
The court heard that charges made by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulations were prompted by concerns over inadequate alcohol management practices during the one-hour promotion. Despite a management plan, the regulator found it insufficient to prevent rapid consumption.
Darveniza cooperated fully with authorities by providing CCTV footage and immediately ceased the promotion. He had been unable to obtain clear guidelines from the regulator on how to modify the management plan.
The lawyer representing Darveniza, noted his extensive experience in the hospitality industry and his commitment to staff training.
Jonathan Jackson, 11th September 2024
