Townsville nightclub fined for dangerous promotions
- The licensee of Flndrs Bar & Nightclub has been fined $5,000 for running unacceptable promotions.
- An investigation by the liquor regulator found the venue’s ‘Turn up Tuesday’ and other promotions breached Queensland liquor laws.
A Townsville nightclub licensee has copped a $5,000 fine for running promotions that encouraged risky drinking behaviours.
An investigation by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) found the Flndrs Bar & Nightclub’s regular ‘Turn up Tuesday’ and ‘Ballin’ on a Budget’ promotions breached Queensland’s liquor laws by encouraging the irresponsible consumption of alcohol.
The promotions ran four days a week and allowed patrons to pay $20 to $30 to receive a 350ml plastic cup and wristband that allowed them to obtain unlimited basic spirits for one hour.
OLGR’s investigation determined the nature of the promotions, which offered heavily discounted drinks over a short period of time, created a high risk of potential harm to patrons who could become quickly intoxicated.
OLGR officers reviewed venue CCTV footage that showed patrons drinking excessively when participating in the promotions, including one patron who purchased the promotion twice back-to-back – consuming eight drinks in the first hour and five drinks in the second hour.
OLGR’s investigation also found the venue’s harm minimisation measures were insufficient during the promotions, with minimal supervision and no limits enforced on the amount of alcohol patrons consumed during the promotions.
OLGR became aware of the promotions while undertaking routine compliance inspections.
The licensee was also ordered to pay more than $2,600 in court costs.
Quotes attributable to the Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming, Victoria Thomson:
“We recognise and support venues who use promotions to attract customers and help their businesses thrive, but licensees must ensure these activities don’t jeopardise patron and community safety.
“Any promotion that could encourage people to drink more than they normally would is a concern.
“Queensland’s responsible service of alcohol laws exist to ensure alcohol is supplied and promoted in ways that minimise harm and support patron and community safety around licensed venues.
“That’s why we’re always on the lookout for any practices that could encourage rapid or excessive alcohol consumption.
“We will always try to work with venues using education first and foremost to ensure they’re well equipped to comply with our laws, but when Queenslanders’ safety is placed in jeopardy like on this occasion, we won’t hesitate to take the necessary enforcement action.”
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