Sydney’s home nightclub has been ordered to remove a promotional video that it posted on facebook that depicts illicit drug use and explicit sexual activities.
The Cockle Bay nightclub created the video to promote an event titled “blow” which includes images of a man snorting cocaine as well as explicit and offensive sexual activities. If the venue refuses to take the video down, it will face a $5,500 fine and a strike under the NSW government’s Three Strikes disciplinary scheme.
“This type of promotion is not only offensive but clearly encourages irresponsible and illegal behaviour and is not in the public interest,” says The Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing (OLGR) director of Compliance and Enforcement, Anthony Keon.
“…The indifference displayed by this venue’s management about this promotion suggests they are completely out of touch with community expectations which is of extreme concern given the nightclub is on the violent venues list and is a late trading high risk premises located in the Sydney CBD precinct.”
Under NSW Liquor laws, licensed venues must demonstrate not only the responsible service of alcohol, but also not knowingly permit the possession or use of prohibited drugs.
Last month, a second 72 hour closure order was imposed on The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville for serious breaches including drug offences and intoxications with a long term closure order application now being considered.
The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority granted the Imperial Hotel Erskineville a two week extension as of 29 July to lodge submissions in response to a long term closure order application by the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing.
In May, two former Kings Cross bar operators were banned for life for serious breaches under their management including drug offences and in January, a Darlinghurst hotel faced a short term closure order for drug-related matters.