With the festive season upon us, this is a timely reminder of the expectations for everyone attending a licensed premises for work or social functions.
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All licensees have a responsibility to ensure everyone on their premises has a safe and enjoyable time. The police and licensees want everyone to return home safely, so there are several measures in place to achieve that.
The Liquor Act 2007 supports responsible drinking and provides powers for venues and police to eject and ban troublesome patrons. Licensees also have a common law right to refuse entry or evict people from their venue.
Under the Liquor Act 2007, licensees, their staff and police officers can refuse to admit, or can eject, any person:
- who is intoxicated, violent, quarrelsome or disorderly
- whose presence on the licensed premises renders the licensee liable to a penalty under the Liquor Act 2007
- who smokes within a smoke-free area as defined by the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000
- who uses or possesses a prohibited drug while on the premises.
Access to the licensed premises can also be refused if licence conditions allow, or under the terms of a liquor accord.
Once a person is refused admission or ejected on any of the above grounds, they are committing an offence if they do not leave the licensed premises. A fine of $550 applies.
Most people are aware alcohol can impair good judgement and cause erratic behaviour. By evicting intoxicated patrons the licensee is doing their best to allow everyone else to have an enjoyable experience.
Police in the Hume PD have seen an increase in fake identifications being produced at licensed premises by minors in recent months. This causes a few issues for the licensee, who can be fined $1100 for the minor being on the premises, and for the minor, who can be fined $220 for being in a restricted area and another $220 for producing a fake ID.
The police of the Hume District encourage everyone celebrating the holiday season to do so in a safe and responsible manner. Don’t put yourself or your friends and family at risk.
