Husband and wife sanctioned over separate intoxication incidents at Stockton Hotel
The former manager of the Gladstone Hotel in Stockton has had his approval to manage licensed premises withdrawn after a Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) investigation found a patron was served 21 alcoholic drinks over more than five hours before collapsing outside the venue.
The disciplinary action against Mark Keegan follows an earlier NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) decision banning former licensee Tracy Keegan for two years over a separate serious intoxication incident at the same hotel.
The latest decision means both former operators have now been sanctioned following serious responsible service of alcohol failures at the Gladstone Hotel.
L&GNSW investigated the matter after receiving a complaint that a male patron had collapsed outside the hotel on 23 March 2024.
The investigation found the patron consumed 21 alcoholic beverages, 19 beers and two shots, between 12.57pm and 6.27pm before leaving in an advanced state of intoxication.
Liquor & Gaming NSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations Dimitri Argeres said the incident highlighted the serious consequences of failing to uphold responsible service of alcohol obligations.
“This patron displayed multiple signs of intoxication that should have been identified and acted upon by staff well before the patron reached such a dangerous state,” Mr Argeres said.
“This is particularly concerning given this is the second serious intoxication matter involving the Gladstone Hotel in recent years.
“Venues must have effective systems in place to identify intoxication, intervene early and protect patrons from harm. Where those systems fail, Liquor & Gaming NSW will take action.”
ILGA found Mr Keegan failed in his responsibility as approved manager to ensure the proper supervision and management of the venue and ordered the withdrawal of his approval to manage licensed premises.
The decision follows earlier disciplinary action involving the same hotel. In May 2024, former licensee Tracy Keegan was banned for two years after an intoxicated patron was served 22 schooners of beer and a shot over six-and-a-half hours. Investigators found the patron continued to be served despite clear signs of intoxication.
The hotel's liquor licence has since been transferred to a new licensee.
ILGA has also previously imposed CCTV and Plan of Management conditions on the venue following complaints and investigations.
For ILGA’s decision report on the Mr Keegan matter visit the ILGA website.
For information on the earlier disciplinary action involving former licensee Tracy Keegan, read the two year ban for licensee after patron served 22 beers article.
A L&GNSW fact sheet to assist venues managing intoxicated patrons (PDF 195.19KB) is available.
For free and confidential alcohol support services, practical resources and self-exclusion agreements for licensed premises in NSW visit the self-exclusion webpage.