Liquor & Gaming inspectors will be heading to Byron Bay and other coastal centres from next week to check schoolies celebrations are being run responsibly in line with COVID public health order restrictions.
As thousands of school leavers converge on tourist areas from next week, inspectors will be targeting COVID compliance as well as responsible service of alcohol obligations and underage drinking on premises.
Liquor & Gaming Director of Compliance Dimitri Argeres said although there would be no official schoolies events this year due to COVID-related social distancing, accommodation has been entirely booked out in popular spots such as Byron Bay.
"With limits on travel to traditional schoolies locations including the Gold Coast and Bali, school leavers are looking closer to home for end of year post-exam celebrations," Mr Argeres said.
"We will be focusing on bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants to check COVID compliance, reminding venues they must comply with public health orders and their COVID safe plan.
"These plans take into account a range of measures including the wellbeing of staff and customers, physical distancing, record keeping and hygiene practices."
Mr Argeres said venues should also make sure they are adequately staffed so they can adequately implement the COVID safety measures with big increases in patron numbers.
"We will also be undertaking checks to ensure there is a responsible service of alcohol across all venues, including stopping any promotions which promote excessive drinking and rapid intoxication," he said.
"With many school leavers aged under 18, venues will need to be vigilant to check for ID and ensure minors are not served alcohol."
All members of the public are encouraged to report any potential COVID safety breaches on nsw.gov.au.
