Kings Cross ban prompts warning on irresponsible alcohol promotions
The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) has issued a warning about irresponsible alcohol promotions after banning a Kings Cross nightclub from a reckless weekend promotion.
The licensee of Club 21 trading as No Vacancy at Kings Cross, Poata Okeroa, was ordered to cancel a Friday night promotion which aimed to “break the Guinness World Record for the most mojito cocktails made in one hour”.
Promotion of the event on Facebook promised “2000 mojitos waiting to be downed at the start of the night” and told patrons “we'll be waiting at the bar ready to get legless with all of you”.
OLGR issued a warning notice to Mr Okeroa that the “Mojito Motel” promotion would breach liquor laws by encouraging the misuse and abuse of alcohol and could result in a $5,500 fine, prompting the licensee to cancel the event.
OLGR Director of Compliance Paul Newson said the Club 21 promotion was blatantly reckless, promoted excessive and rapid drinking and drunkenness, and raised serious questions about the venue's compliance with responsible service of alcohol laws.
“Irresponsible liquor promotions like this significantly increase the risk of intoxication and associated community impacts such as violence, anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood disturbance,” Mr Newson said.
“Not only was this reckless promotion planned in high risk Kings Cross but on the same day that a raft of new regulations were brought into effect for the precinct.
“All licensees need to responsibly promote the sale, supply, service and consumption of alcohol or they are breaking the law.
“If a venue is identified as causing alcohol-related problems in their community through an irresponsible alcohol promotion then OLGR can issue a written direction ordering them to stop the promotion immediately or face fines of up to $5,500.
“Where it is demonstrated a licensee has deliberately engaged in conduct or activities likely to encourage the misuse or abuse of liquor OLGR will consider seeking additional penalties through court action including possible disqualification of a licensee for a specified period.
“Licensees and their staff must comply with strict responsible service of alcohol laws. It is illegal to permit an intoxicated person on licensed premises or supply alcohol to an intoxicated person with a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 applying.”
OLGR publishes Liquor Promotion Guidelines which let licensees know what is acceptable and what is unacceptable at www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/Liquor_%20promo_guidelines.pdf
Source: Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing, 11 December 2012
