Six month suspension for serving drunk consumer

A former licensee has been banned from working in any New South Wales (NSW) venue serving alcohol for six months after a staff member served alcohol to a drunk customer.

Two staff members have been temporarily banned from working in licensed alcohol venues for serving alcohol to a drunk customer

The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority suspended the responsible service of alcohol (RSA) certificate of Donald Yung, of Iluka, from 1 December 2015 to 31 May 2016, who was the licensee of the ZooBar Lounge & Nightclub at Lismore trading as Jacks Bar at the Met.

Shea McCaughey, who served the intoxicated consumer, has had his RSA certification suspended for seven days from 30 November to 6 December.

If either person works in any licensed liquor premise in NSW during their suspension, they can face fines of AU$5,500.

The suspensions came about following a police inspection of Jacks Bar at the Met on 31 January 2015 when a drunken was observed as he “swayed” into a bar and was served two alcoholic drinks.

Later that evening he fell off his stool before leaving the venue.

Police interviewed the consumer who admitted to drinking half a 700ml bottle of rum before heading to the bar where he consumed a further “six or so” rum and cokes.

McCaughey argued the customer spoke clearly when he was served at the bar and was assessed as being OK despite having two “wonky” eyes and struggling to open his wallet.

Police said that since opening in October last year, there had been “multiple incidents” in relation to Jacks Bar at the Met, which did not have an alcohol or venue management plan in place and was also not part of the Lismore Liquor Accord.