Inspectors from Liquor & Gaming NSW have seized 191 bottles and cans of alcohol from an unlicensed supermarket at Camperdown, in Sydney’s Inner West.
Oriental Express on Parramatta Rd is alleged to have sold alcohol to covert inspectors on Wednesday 28 August. The outlet does not hold a liquor licence.
The drinks for sale on the supermarket shelves ranged in alcohol content from 4.5 per cent to 56 per cent.
They included Sizak Soju in various flavours, Golden River and Pearl River beer, Jiang Xiaobai fruit cube and Jiang Xiaobai fruit cube grape.
Liquor & Gaming NSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations, Jane Lin, said selling alcohol without a licence was one of the most serious offences under the Liquor Act 2007, attracting fines of up to $11,000, jail time, or both.
“What is most concerning in cases like this is that unlicensed premises are not subject to the same legislative controls as licensed premises are, which increases the risk of alcohol-related harm occurring,” Ms Lin said.
“This could include someone under the age of 18 purchasing a drink with a very high alcohol content.
“Licensed supermarkets have particular controls in place to prevent minors purchasing alcohol or even being in the liquor sales area without a responsible adult.
“The seized drinks are not clearly marked in English as alcoholic and the packaging of some of them may appeal to minors with bright colours, fruits and emojis.
“Children consuming drinks with an alcohol content as high as 56 per cent could have tragic consequences.”
The owners of the Oriental Express will be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations that alcohol was being sold on their premises without a licence before a decision is made as to appropriate enforcement action.
Ms Lin reminded retailers that Liquor & Gaming NSW conducts overt and covert compliance operations to check for venues selling alcohol without a licence and takes strong enforcement action against unlicensed sellers.
“Any liquor held by a person who is found guilty of selling liquor without a licence may be subject to seizure and forfeiture in addition to any penalties that may apply,” she said.
“Liquor & Gaming NSW regularly conducts compliance operations in response to reports that some grocery stores sell alcohol without a liquor licence.
“Previous inspections of grocery stores in Chatswood, Eastwood, Epping, Cabramatta and Mascot found five businesses selling alcohol illegally.”
Previous Liquor & Gaming NSW enforcement action in relation to the sale of unlicensed liquor has included the seizure of goods, the issuing of penalty notices as well as prosecution.”
