The New South Wales regulator has disciplined the owner of a regional hotel following the discovery that minors consumed alcohol on the premises last May.
While the hotel – the Australian Hotel in Young – was sanctioned for the breach, licensee Jamie Canellis lost two demerit points, in a decision published by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA).
Similar to demerits for licensed drivers, the ILGA demerit point system issues points for breaches, which expire after three years.
ILGA further ruled that Canellis undertake advanced licensee training and that hotel staff complete a Responsible Service of Alcohol refresher by 12 January next year.
Prior to the decision, submissions were given to ILGA from Kent McRae Lawyers, acting for Canellis, and by NSW Police.
In his decision, published 10 November, ILGA chair Jeff Loy said Canellis’ legal representative noted that underage patrons were found on the night of 2 May by gaming room staff, who removed them immediately after they were unable to provide proof of age.
“The minors who were observed consuming alcohol were not served alcohol by hotel staff but were supplied with alcohol by other patrons,” the legal representative further noted.
Canellis has worked in the hotel industry for over 25 years, said his lawyers, with this being his first incident involving remedial action.
Canellis has already undertaken his required training, and the hotel is currently considering adding additional security personnel and staff on Friday and Saturday nights.
The hotel is also considering banning any underage person unlawfully consuming alcohol for six months following their eighteenth birthday.
NSW Police acknowledged Canellis’ proactive approach to compliance and his demonstrated cooperation with officers, stating they were happy with the improvements made by the hotel.
The NSW Police asked the ILGA to consider imposing a condition requiring the hotel employ at least two security personnel on Fridays and Saturdays, however Canellis’ lawyers objected, and ILGA did not impose the condition.
In making the decision, Loy considered the Australian Hotel’s history, including an incident in November 2023 where a patron was tasered by police following an alleged altercation with Canellis, who has been the licensee of the Australian Hotel since September 2016.
