NSW venues incur strike offences
A Kings Cross venue was one of several in New South Wales to incur a strike under the Three Strikes disciplinary scheme in a busy February for regulators.
Disco Nightclub incurred a strike for not having responsible service of alcohol (RSA) marshals wearing identifiable clothing, as is required under the special conditions for licensed venues in the Kings Cross precinct.
Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing (OLGR) inspectors visited the premises in the early hours of Saturday 7 December and were unable to spot any RSA marshals on duty.
After speaking with the licensee, inspectors were shown two high-visibility vests imprinted with 'RSA Marshal' however they were lying on the floor in an office and were not being worn by staff.
Disco Nightclub has incurred a first strike for the breach of a special condition after paying two $1,100 penalty notices.
"In light of this strike and the recent introduction of 1.30am lockouts and 3am last drinks, OLGR reminds all licensees to be vigilant in order to comply with regulations," OLGR said.
Also last month, The Duck Inn Pub and Kitchen in Chippendale, Sydney, incurred a strike for permitting intoxication on the premises, as did Jacaranda Hotel in Grafton and Silk Hotel in Newcastle.
In Armidale, the New England Hotel received a strike for failing to comply with a licence condition requiring it to serve drinks in glasses after midnight, as did The Grand Hotel in Wollongong.
The Strand Hotel in Darlinghurst, Sydney, picked up a strike for supplying take-away liquor outside authorised hours.
Since the Three Strikes disciplinary scheme began in 2012 there have been 83 strikes recorded against 79 venues, including one third strike and three second strikes.
This includes 20 first strikes and one second strike against venues in the City of Sydney local government area.
The Gold Music Box Restaurant in the Sydney suburb of Belmore recently became the first venue to have its licence cancelled for incurring a third strike.
A register of venues that have incurred strikes is available here.
Source: The Shout - 11th March 2014
