The licensee of Brisbane’s GPO Hotel has been fined $5,000 after pleading guilty to two breaches of the Queensland Liquor Act 1992.
The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) began an investigation into the GPO in Fortitude Valley after being informed by Queensland Police that a patron had assaulted a crowd controller, in July 2018.
OLGR sought to determine the cause of the assault, and the ensuing extensive investigation revealed that in July and October that year the defendant had supplied patrons with bottles of spirits, allowing them to consume directly from the bottle and to pour their own drinks.
“The investigation included reviewing the measures in place to ensure responsible service of alcohol (RSA) and whether the incident was a result of the licensee failing to provide a safe environment for their patrons and staff,” stated OLGR executive director Mike Sarquis.
“Serving methods must enable a patron to be aware of how much alcohol they are consuming and allow consumption rates to be controlled,” he said.
Appearing before Brisbane Magistrates Court late February the director of GPO Holdings P/L pleaded guilty to two charges, relating to “unacceptable practices and promotions”.
It was found the practice allowed multiple patrons, including the assailant of the crowd controller, to consume alcohol irresponsibly.
“The man’s high intoxication levels were also confirmed by attending QPS officers, who found he had a breath alcohol concentration of 0.186 per cent.”
The regulator reminds licensees that free-pouring of high strength spirits is not acceptable, and that the disregard of RSA undoubtedly contributed to the assault.
But Sarquis also noted the “choice to drink” made by the patron in question, and the contribution that made to a dangerous choice of action.
“While venues have a responsibility to keep patrons safe, it is important for everyone to look after their mates and encourage friends to drink responsibly to ensure our late-night entertainment precincts are safe and enjoyable for all.”
