Alcohol Promotions – Update

The NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing has issued a warning about irresponsible alcohol promotions. This was prompted by the banning of a promotion being run by a Kings Cross night club which aimed to “break the Guinness World Record for the most mojito cocktails made in one hour”.

Image: TheCulinaryGeek

The Facebook marketing of this event informed customers that there would be “2000 mojitos waiting to be downed at the start of the night” and that “we’ll be waiting at the bar ready to get legless with all of you”.

The licensee of the club was issued a warning notice by the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing stating that the “Mojito Motel” promotion would be in breach of liquor laws by encouraging the misuse and abuse of alcohol and could result in a $5,500 fine. As a result of this warning notice, the licensee of the club cancelled the event.

A representative of the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing reiterated that all licensees need to responsibly promote the sale, supply, service and consumption of alcohol or they are breaking the law and “if a venue is identified as causing alcohol related problems in the community through an irresponsible alcohol promotion then OLGR can issue a written direction ordering them to stop the promotion immediately or face fines of up to $5,500”. The representative added that “where it is demonstrated a licensee has deliberately engaged in conduct or activities likely to encourage the misuse or abuse of liquor, OLGR will consider seeking additional penalties through court action including possible disqualification of a licensee for a specified period”.

The NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing’s Liquor Promotion Guidelines are available at http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/Liquor_%20promo_guidelines.pdf.