Club receives suspension after allowing a member to becoming intoxicated
Tuesday, 27 July 2010 16:00
We are again reminding clubs to be vigilant and proactive in relation to their obligations under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.
A Member Club has recently been issued a one day suspension of their club licence and the bar manager has also had their license suspended for one month after a club member was allegedly allowed to become intoxicated on the clubs premises and then drove home.
Under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 it is an offence to;
- Allow an intoxicated person to enter the premises
- Sell or supply liquor to an intoxicated person
- Allow any person(s) to become intoxicated
- Allow an intoxicated person(s) to be or remain on a licensed premises.
These offences can carry the following penalties:
| Offence | Section | Licensee or Manager | Bar Staff/Server |
| Promotion of excessive consumption of alcohol | 154A | $5,000 | |
| Sale or supply to an intoxicated person | 166 | $10,000. The licence may also be suspended for up to seven days. | $2,000 |
| Allowing a person to become intoxicated | 167 | $10,000. The licence may also be suspended for up to seven days | |
| Allowing intoxication or disorderly conduct on a licensed premises | 168 | $4,000 |
It is imperative that all staff understand their responsibilities under the Sale of Liquor Act and that the staff are trained in the clubs host responsibility policies and procedures. Not only is it important that staff are vigilant in regards to a member or guest becoming intoxicated, there is a responsibility to ensure that the members or guests get home safely, whether this is through the use of the clubs courtesy coaches, arranging a taxi or another member of the club (who is a sober driver) driving the person home.
If you have any questions about the issues raised above please feel free to contact National Office via the contact us page on the website or call 0800 4 CLUBS. We also have a range of documents in the resource room of the website including sale of liquor fact sheets.