Five venues added to '3 Strikes' register
Police inspections of New South Wales licensed premises have resulted in five more venues being fined $1100 each and added to the '3 Strikes' register.
The five venues, including hotels, a nightclub and licensed restaurants, have all been fined and issued with first 'strikes' for operating outside their authorised trading hours.
They are the Duke of Wellington Hotel in New Lambton, The Backroom nightclub in Kings Cross, Rice Bowl Hotel in Whitton, Restaurant Bon Ga in Eastwood and Crocodile Senior Thai Restaurant in Haymarket.
"While most licensees do the right thing, these breaches should serve as a warning to all licensees to be vigilant in abiding by their approved licence conditions," said OLGR director of compliance Paul Newson.
"Licensed premises - whether they be late trading nightclubs in entertainment precincts like Kings Cross, local hotels in country NSW, or restaurants licensed to sell alcohol to diners - must stick to approved trading hours or face tough penalties under the liquor laws."
The reprimands follow a weekend crackdown by NSW Police on alcohol-related problems in Sydney's key entertainment precincts.
The OLGR yesterday issued warnings to licensed premise operators after Operation Rushmore II uncovered breaches relating to Responsible Service of Alcohol, security requirements, noise and trading hours.
The OLGR's Newson, warned venues of the consequences of licensing breaches relating to excessive drinking, anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood disturbances.
"Licensees and approved managers should review their business practices, including their alcohol, security and venue management plans, to ensure they comply with the scope of their obligations as a licensed venue, including minimising the risk of harm and disturbance to the community from the misuse and abuse of alcohol."
A total of 25 NSW licensed venues have now incurred a first strike with the public register of strikes available for viewing on the OLGR website here.
Source: The Shout, 14 November 2012
