Suspended liquor licence for bar that served alcohol to a minor

The 88 Pocha small bar in Sydney’s CBD has been ordered to shut for two weeks after being caught serving beer and soju to a 17-year-old.

The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority has suspended the venue’s liquor licence from November 7 to 20 for the offence, which was detected by NSW Police on December 7 last year.

A group of six young people drinking at the Pitt St venue drew the attention of police officers due to their youthful appearance.

A young female among the group was unable to show identification and admitted to being aged 17 and to have drunk beer and soju at the venue.

When questioned by police, a staff member admitted the girl had not been asked for identification.

In suspending 88 Pocha’s liquor licence under the Minors Sanctions Scheme, the Authority also took into account the venue’s poor compliance history.

This included operating outside authorised trading hours, selling bottles of soju in contravention of its liquor licence and allowing intoxication.

NSW Police submitted that the licensee, Gyeongmin Lee, had failed to put in place proper measures to ensure alcohol is served responsibly.

Another popular Korean CBD venue, Gangnam Station, was fined by the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority recently for dumping two unconscious young women on the side of the street last year, after serving them 16 shots of spirits within 40 minutes.

Liquor & Gaming NSW Director of Compliance Operations, Sean Goodchild, said serving alcohol to minors is one of the most serious offences under NSW liquor laws due to the high risks of harm.

“This case should serve as a reminder to all venues as we head into the busy festive season,” he said. “Under the Minors Sanction Scheme, escalating penalties apply for selling alcohol to under 18s including liquor licence suspensions, cancellations and disqualifications. Licensed venues are advised to ask for age ID of any patrons who appear under the age of 25."