The licensee of the Hotel Illawarra in Wollongong has been fined $2500 after pleading guilty In Downing Centre Local Court to allowing intoxication at the venue.

The Court heard that the intoxication happened after a patron won a $100 bar tab last February, on a night when Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors attended the venue.

At about 12.20am, a female inspector saw vomit emerging from a cubicle in the women’s toilets. A female patron later exited the cubicle and appeared unsteady on her feet.

When questioned by the inspectors, the woman said she was “really drunk” and had won a $100 bar tab at the hotel.

Liquor & Gaming NSW Director of Compliance Operations, Sean Goodchild, said the Hotel Illawarra has been banned from running any future bar tab competitions.

“Such promotions are generally permitted but they must comply with responsible service of alcohol requirements,” he said.

“This case highlights the need for licensed venues to ensure competitions with alcohol as prizes do not endanger patrons.

“Such actions can lead to serious alcohol-related harm and jeopardise community safety.

“Licensees who do not appropriately manage intoxication at their venue can expect to serious penalties.”

Andy Young

Andy joined Intermedia as Editor of The Shout in 2015, writing news on a daily basis and also writing features for National Liquor News. Now Managing Editor of both The Shout and Bars and Clubs.

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