Newcastle venue Sydney Junction Hotel fined for licensing breach

The licensee of Newcastle venue SJ’s – currently locked in a battle with The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority over the pub’s trading hours – has been fined $1200 for a breach of his licence.

Campbell Rogers, 34, pleaded guilty to the breach, which involved “stockpiling” where patrons have four or more drinks accumulated in front of them.

The authorities banned the practice as it leads to rapid consumption of alcohol.

The Newcastle Herald reported that on September 9 last year, two officers from the Alcohol Licensing Enforcement Command (ALEC) attended the venue (also known as Sydney Junction Hotel) on a covert operation.

The two roamed the venue buying a large number of drinks.

Documents tendered to court stated, “They maintained a stockpile of six drinks unconsumed and two semi-consumed alcoholic drinks for a total of eight drinks

“They maintained that stockpile from 11.20pm until 12.30am.”

It was Roger’ first licensing breach.

The hotel is battling with the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority which in September wound back SJ’s trading hours from 3 am to 1.30am.

The Hamilton venue has appealed the decision.