Pendle Hill business fined for illicit alcohol sales

The owner of the business operating as Meat4U pleaded guilty to three offences, including an offence related to selling liquor without a licence, following a covert operation that resulted in 50 liquor products seized from the venue.

In handing down the sentence, the court convicted the owner of the business on all three offences and imposed fines totalling $13,000. 

The business was informed by L&GNSW in June 2023 that its liquor licence had been suspended after it failed to pay its annual renewal.

Despite this, the owner continued to sell liquor via its Meat4U website after notifying L&GNSW it had ceased doing so. 

L&GNSW was alerted to the breach through a tip off by a member of the public in November 2023.

L&GNSW A/Executive Director Regulatory Operations Bernadette Beard said the prosecution was a warning to all venues that selling alcohol without a licence in NSW was a serious offence. 

“Our inspectors conduct regular covert and overt compliance operations around the state, and businesses caught breaking the law face fines of up to $11,000 per offence, one year’s jail, or both under the Liquor Act 2007. Licensees can also be referred to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority for further complaint action,” Ms Beard said. 

“Operators of licensed venues have important responsibilities that must be adhered to when selling or supplying liquor.

“This includes the requirement for all staff to undergo Responsible Service of Alcohol training to minimise alcohol-related harms, including preventing minors buying liquor, the supply of liquor to intoxicated persons, and anti-social behaviour.”  

Alcohol held by a person found guilty of selling liquor without a licence will be seized and forfeited.