NEWCASTLE pubs have been warned to ensure responsible alcohol promotions after a city pub was reprimanded over a competition encouraging patrons to “win their height” in vodka drinks.
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The state regulator also took action against a Hamilton pub over an Australia Day promotion offering eskies with 100 cans of beer as prizes.
“The “win your height” in UDL cans promotion – at King St Hotel in Newcastle West – was found to encourage irresponsible alcohol consumption,” Liquor and Gaming NSW said in a statement.
Winners would be chosen at random to stand next to a height chart, potentially winning a case of vodka drinks per foot of height.
The competition was advertised on the hotel’s website and Facebook page during the University of Newcastle’s orientation week.
The ads offered free entry to students and showed a panda character with the message, “Students, this bad boy is for you”.
Director of compliance operations Sean Goodchild said the King Street Hotel complied with a formal order to stop the promotion. It had been scheduled for March 2.
“This promotion posed an unacceptable risk of excessive alcohol consumption,” Mr Goodchild said.
The Sydney Junction Hotel was ordered to halt its Australia Day promotion, which offered one free entry with every purchase of VB.
“Irresponsible promotions can lead to alcohol-related violence and disturbance as well as serious health impacts for individuals,” Mr Goodchild said.
“Promotions should not encourage irresponsible, rapid or excessive drinking, target or appeal to minors or be offensive or indecent.”
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
