Parkes Shire Liquor Accord, Parkes Shire Council and Police have joined forces to launch the RETHINK THAT SNEAKY DRINK campaign to target underage drinking in the shire.
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Bianca Sherridan (Parkes Shire Liquor Accord President) said if you’re caught drinking underage in any pub, club or restaurant in Parkes, you’ll be barred from entering licensed premises in the shire until your 19th birthday.
“Parents and minors must understand the impact of a minor unlawfully entering and consuming alcohol in a licensed premise,” Bianca said.
The Parkes Shire Liquor Accord imposes up to a 12 month ban on offences involving minors.
This could potentially see a minor not be able to associate with their friends or families in licensed premises until they are 19.
This action shows that licensees consider the offences by minors to be serious and detrimental to their businesses.
“Whilst underage drinking is not viewed as the most heinous of crimes, the hospitality industry is heavily regulated and for good reason” Bianca said.
The consumption of alcohol is frequently attributed to violence and anti-social behaviour.
This risk is increased in licensed premises, and places minors in a vulnerable position should they choose to unlawfully enter a licensed premise.
“Parents and minors who do not see the risks associated with such actions might quickly change their view if their son or daughter was physically assaulted, sexually assaulted, seriously injured or killed whilst drinking in or after drinking in a licensed premise,” Bianca said.
“Undoubtedly they would be asking what the authorities are doing about such issues.”
The impact of minors consuming alcohol in a licensed premise is felt mostly by the licensed premise itself.
Whilst minors are held accountable for their actions when caught, it is the licensed premises that face far more serious consequences.
Offences involving the sale and supply of alcohol to minors in a licensed premise can result in the licensee and/or staff being imprisoned for up to 12 months (in the most serious cases) and/or $11,000 fines for each drink sold or supplied to a minor.
It can result in strikes being imposed on a licensed premise under the 'Three Strikes' disciplinary scheme, each strike incurring an additional yearly penalty imposed on a licensees annual liquor licence fee of between $3000 - $9000.
It can also result in the licensed premise having its liquor licence suspended or revoked, and the licensee and staff members having their RSA qualifications suspended or revoked, meaning that they cannot work in that industry.
“It is no laughing matter for a licensee or their staff,” Bianca said.
“If a liquor licence is suspended or revoked, it impacts on the employment of a lot of people and subsequently impacts on their families.
“At the end of the day your actions impact on the lives of others, common sense must prevail, consider the consequences of your actions.”