Assembly will not operate for 24 hours after being given consent orders for breaching the Liquor Act. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
Assembly has shut its doors today (14 April) after its liquor licence was suspended for 24 hours.
It follows occupational discipline action in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) for breaching sections of the Liquor Act 2010 and Regulation 2010.
The venue tacked a sign on its front doors saying “closed today, back tomorrow!” and posted an apology on its Instagram.
It did not dispute the allegations of 13 instances of non-compliance.
“In our three and a half years of existence, it’s been a pretty crazy roller coaster,” the sign stated.
“We were negligent in obeying rules placed on us and we have breached the ACT Liquor Act.
“For that we are sorry and due to these indiscretions we will be closed today, 14 April 2023.”
The public apology was part of the conditions imposed for breaching the acts.
“We will be taking this opportunity to have our, very belated, Christmas party,” its sign read.
The Commissioner for Fair Trading filed an action in the civil court for Occupational Discipline for “alleged multiple contraventions” of both acts following visits by Access Canberra compliance officers on 7 December 2022.
The contraventions included failing to: comply with their licence conditions, applying the venue’s Risk Assessment Management Plan (RAMP) and reporting incidents as required under the Liquor Act.
While the matter was resolved without a hearing, ACAT has issued consent orders on the venue.
These include a public reprimand, a $9,000 fine and a temporary licence suspension for 24 hours meaning Assembly cannot supply or sell liquor on Friday, 14 April.
The licensee’s liquor licence will also be amended with conditions regarding written reports about incidents at the venue, and their external doors and windows will all have to be shut by 10 o’clock each night.
All new and existing staff will have to be retrained to understand the licensee’s obligations under the legislation.
Assembly posted an apology and notice on its front doors. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
Fair Trading and Compliance executive branch manager Josh Rynehart said this was a timely reminder for all licenced venues in the ACT that they needed to abide by the legislation which allowed them to operate and keep the community safe.
“A venue’s Risk Assessment Management Plan (RAMP) seeks to minimise the harm associated with the sale of liquor and supports community safety. Licensees must follow their RAMP as it sets out how a licensee will manage their venue and the risks connected with the supply of liquor,” he said.
“Access Canberra inspectors and ACT Policing will continue to be out and about to ensure licensees understand and are complying with their obligations under the Liquor Act.”
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