Liquor & Gaming NSW inspections will commence in the first week of August and target the Snowy region to ensure licensed venues prioritise safe and responsible service of alcohol during the ski season.
Liquor & Gaming NSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations & Enforcement, Jane Lin, said inspectors are visiting venues in the area, focusing on issues like underage drinking, promotions that encourage excessive alcohol consumption, serving intoxicated patrons and irresponsible alcohol service.
“There can be a higher risk of alcohol-related harms associated with the ski season and venues must prioritise patron safety as thousands of snow enthusiasts flock to the region” Ms Lin said.
“Permitting intoxication or serving alcohol to minors are some of the most serious offences and can carry penalties of up to $11,000, 12-month imprisonment, or both.
“Our inspectors are working closely with venues to encourage responsible practices and ensure appropriate procedures are in place to prevent alcohol and gambling related harms.”
Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors are inspecting licensed venues across the Snowy region, including local bars, restaurants, clubs, lodges and bottle shops.
At the start of this year’s ski season, Liquor & Gaming NSW staff visited the region to meet with venues and attend a meeting of the Snowy Mountains Liquor Accord.
This helped to ensure venues were fully aware of the need to keep patron safety top of mind throughout the season.
Resources are available for venue owners and operators to ensure compliance this snow season and can be found below:
- Self-audit compliance checklists for hotel licences.
- Self-audit compliance checklists for club licences.
- Prevention of Intoxication on Licenced Premises Guidelines, for practical steps to manage the risk of intoxication on premises.
- Liquor Promotion Guidelines, for more information on what may constitute an irresponsible liquor promotion.
- Industry alert highlighting concerns about ongoing non-compliance with gaming harm-minimisation legislation, and outline the approach to breaches.
- Details of a compliance campaign regarding external gaming signage.
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