Joint liquor inspections identify some appalling results

A total of 27 underage people were identified inside a licensed establishment in Tuggeranong on Saturday night (May 23) during a joint operation between ACT Policing and the Office of Regulatory Services.

The rolling operation, which commenced on May 1, has seen police and liquor inspectors conduct inspections on a range of licensed premises in both northern and southern suburbs, as well as the Civic entertainment precinct.

Of concern, a number of breaches of the Liquor Act 1975 have been identified during the operation, including numerous instances of underage people inside licensed premises.

During an inspection of a Civic bar in the early hours of May 3, police and inspectors identified a 13-year-old female passed out on a couch within the premises.

After initially being lodged in the Regional Watch House, the young person was transferred into the custody of a family member and formal action was instigated against her for the offence of ‘enter or remain in a bar room on licensed premises except in the care of a responsible adult.’ Liquor inspectors are investigating the alleged impropriety of the establishment involved, as well as a number of others identified throughout the operation.

ACT Policing Superintendent North District Michael Chew said that whilst the joint operation is a very positive and effective way of enforcing liquor licensing laws in the ACT, the results have been disappointing.

“Liquor licensing laws are there to ensure the safe and responsible service and consumption of alcohol and it is obvious from the results so far that there are a number of licensees and managers that are just not taking this seriously,” Supt Chew said.

“These joint operations will continue, and establishments who choose to ignore their legal obligations will be identified. It doesn’t take much for information of improper trading to get back to us, and it is something that is obviously taken very seriously”, he said.