The Goodna Services Club and its entire staff have a responsibility to ensure that liquor is sold and supplied to patrons in a responsible manner.
All staff should be aware of what is expected of them, in regards to the laws and the service of alcohol to patrons of the club, as staff can be held liable for offences committed.

• Sell liquor to;
• Supply liquor to; or
• Allow liquor to be supplied to or consumed by: A PERSON WHO IS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE; or WHO IS UNDULY INTOXICATED OR DISORDERLY

There are heavy penalties for committing these offences:

Maximum fines for a licensee/nominee are $60,950
Maximum fines for a staff member or licensed premise are $9,752.

The only times when a minor is allowed on a licensed premises are if the minor:

• Lives on the premises
• Is an employee, or receiving work experience or training
• Is attending a function e.g. wedding
• Is eating a meal on the premises
• Is accompanied by a responsible adult

Minors are only permitted on the premises so long as the minor is participating in the activity for which is the primary purpose of the club (soccer, AFL, cricket).

• Photographic driver’s licence
• A proof of age card issued by a Government Department or approved entity (e.g. card 18+, key pass)
• An Australian or foreign passport
• Marine License
• Industry Authority License
• Heavy Vehicle License

The Australian I.D Checking Guide, published by the Liquor Licensing Division, details the actual cards and licenses issued by each State and Territory.

If staff believe that a document being presented is false, defaced or in the possession of a person who is not the owner of the I.D, then the document should be confiscated and forwarded to the Liquor Licensing Division.

“A state of being in which a person’s mental and physical faculties are impaired because of consumption of liquor so as to diminish the person’s ability to think and act in a way which an ordinary prudent person in full possession of his or her facilities, and using reasonable care, would act in like circumstances.”

Staff should use commonsense in determining whether a person is unduly intoxicated. There are several signs, which, in combination, may indicate that a person has had too much to drink. These signs include:

• Mood changes
• Slurring or mistakes in speech
• Raised speaking voice
• Clumsiness, fumbling with change
• Loss of balance or coordination, swaying or staggering
• Confusion, lack of ability to hear or respond

Licensees and staff DO NOT COMMIT an offence if an intoxicated person is on their premises, although the intoxicated person does.

Licensees and staff DO COMMIT an offence if they sell or supply liquor to unduly intoxicated or disorderly patrons.

• Safety of the patron
• Safety of others
• Provisions of the Liquor Act (e.g. if the person is a minor or unduly intoxicated or disorderly)
• Civil liability

Staff of licensed premises MAY refuse service to patrons at any time (e.g. patrons not meeting management’s dress regulations) Staff MUST refuse service to patrons who are minors or unduly intoxicated or disorderly.

When refusing service to a patron:

• Use tact – politely inform the patron you will not serve them any more alcohol. Do not speak to the patron in the front of other patrons.
• Repeat firmly, that by law they cannot be served another drink. You may offer a non-alcoholic drink or suggest that they order something to eat.
• Notify the Duty Manager, Security and other bar staff that you have refused service to the patron.
• If considered necessary, management may impose a short-term ban.
• Staff should be sure of their reasons for refusal of service, which should not be based on race, sex, etc. The patron has a right to take the matter to the Human Rights or Equal Opportunity Commission if they feel they have been the victim of discrimination.

It should be a decision of management as to whether or not patrons are refused admittance at the entrance to the premises, although assessment by door staff of a patron’s state of intoxication can avoid transferring the problem to staff inside the premises.