The former licence holder of a pub in Newcastle has been banned from holding a liquor licence for two years after an intoxicated patron was served the equivalent of more than 35 standard drinks.
Liquor and Gaming NSW found that a customer at the Gladstone Hotel in Stockton was served 22 schooners of beer and one shot, over six and a half hours on March 6, 2021.
The man collapsed and had to be carried unconscious from the venue.
Liquor and Gaming NSW executive director Jane Lin said the behaviour of bar staff at the hotel posed a serious risk of harm to the patron.
“It was caused by the licensee’s failure to ensure that the responsible service of alcohol was practised at the hotel and that appropriate practices, procedures, training and supervision were in place to prevent intoxication,” Lin said.
“Apart from breaking the law, the actions of hotel staff put the patron at risk of significant harm.
“As this case shows, venues that fail to abide by responsible service of alcohol requirements can expect to be caught and face significant consequences.”
CCTV footage reviewed by ILGA found that the male patron had “exhibited signs of intoxication”, including stumbling, swaying and falling over.
The footage showed the man drank 23 alcoholic beverages between about 11.50am and 5.25pm.
NSW Police investigated the incident and concluded the patron suffered from a medical condition and did not show signs of intoxication until his collapse.
Yesterday’s decision banned Tracey Keegan, the former licensee, from holding a liquor licence or being a close associate of a venue’s licensee for two years.
The venue’s liquor licence has been transferred to a new licensee since the incident.
In a separate decision, Liquor and Gaming NSW also imposed a CCTV and management plan conditions on the hotel’s liquor licence following ongoing complaints and investigations relating to noise, intoxication and antisocial behaviour at the pub.
