NSW: Alcohol inspectors out in force for Melbourne Cup
04 Nov 2008 12:01 AMNSW: Alcohol inspectors out in force for Melbourne Cup
EDS: Embargoed until 0001 AEDT Tuesday, November 4, 2008
SYDNEY, Nov 4 AAP - Alcohol compliance inspectors will be out in force in pubs and clubs in Sydney and across NSW today to ensure Melbourne Cup revellers comply with new liquor laws for licensed premises.
Under the new laws introduced into the NSW parliament on July 1 it is an offence to be heavily intoxicated in NSW pubs and clubs.
"If you are asked to leave by a staff member you must comply or police willbe called and you will be issued with a550 on-the-spot fine," NSW Gamingand Racing Minister Kevin Greene said in a statement.
Inspectors will be working in the Sydney CBD, Parramatta, the Hills District, Manly, Maitland, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast, Wollongong and Dubbo.
"They'll be enforcing responsible service of alcohol laws and licence conditions as well as targeting intoxication, minors, security and crowd control," Mr Greene said.
According to NSW Gaming and Racing, last year punters in the state bet morethan45 million at the TAB on the Melbourne Cup feature race alone.
As well as advising punters to drink responsibly today, Mr Greene said people should bet with their heads.
"They say nothing's harder to pick than the winner of the Melbourne Cup andI just want to remind people that the best rule of thumb is not to bet what you can't afford to lose," he said.
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