OLGR has reported fines were issued for breaching the Liquor Act to a former hotel licensee, director and approved manager, despite no longer working in the industry.
The action followed an incident that began when an intoxicated person crashed their vehicle into several stationary objects, including rubbish bins, a storage container and a horse float, outside a Queensland hotel.
According to facts tendered in court, a manager observed the incident, and the person was escorted into the venue.
Staff were aware of the incident, and the person’s keys were confiscated, but they were not directed to not sell liquor to the patron, who was supplied with a glass of beer.
The licensee at the time and the staff involved are no longer active in the industry, and the court took this into consideration, fining the licensee $1,000 and the director and manager $750 each.
Queensland’s liquor regulator notes that staff and management failed to follow Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) regulations by allowing the “intoxicated and visibly upset patron” to purchase more to drink.
Licensees and venue staff are reminded they must remain vigilant of their RSA obligations.
It is deemed the responsibility of all staff and managers to minimise harm associated with irresponsible consumption or service of alcohol. Penalties can apply to licensees and individuals who fail to serve responsibly.
Intoxicated patrons out of sight of the bar should be monitored by all venue staff, such as crowd controllers, glassies, floor staff and RSA marshals – also highlighting the importance of teamwork and communication.
The Office of Liquor & Gaming Regulation (OLGR) provides complete RSA refresher training at the Business Queensland website.
OLGR also offers Behind the bar interactive training videos (example below) on real life situations where RSA becomes a factor.