Snowy Mountains licensed venues stung in alcohol service and compliance blitz

The New South Wales Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing says it's uncovered serious problems with the service of alcohol in the Snowy Mountains.

The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing says there appears to be a lax attitude to assessing and removing drunk customers in the high country. (File photo)

Director of compliance and enforcement, Anthony Keon, said inspectors recorded 12 serious compliance breaches at licensed venues in Jindabyne, Perisher and Thredbo over one week this month.

He said intoxication was a particular problem at Jindabyne and there appeared to be a lax attitude to assessing and removing drunk customers.

"A patron was actually refused service because bar staff deemed them as being intoxicated," Mr Keon said.

"But the person wasn't removed and then was later able to get a shot from a different bartender.

"We saw that in a number of venues, where patients were assessed to be intoxicated and then not removed, as required by the law, from the premises."

Illicit drugs were also suspected of being taken in a female bathroom at one Thredbo venue and a drunk woman was seen vomiting.

Security patrol requirements were also not being met at several premises.

Inspectors set to return

Mr Keon said the inspectors would return to do more checks throughout the winter season.

He said investigations were ongoing but businesses found to have done the wrong thing would face severe penalties.

"They could be facing everything from $1,100 on the spot fines all the way through to $11,000 penalties if it's taken to court," he said.

"Also, if proven, these venues will attract a strike under the 'three strikes' disciplinary scheme."

Source: ABC News, Alexandra Beech, July 31^st 2015
Originally published as: Snowy Mountains licensed venues stung in alcohol service and compliance blitz