RSA Course Online

Tag: Sly Grogging

  • Police Warn Residents that Sly Grogging will not be Tolerated

    Police in Woorabinda, the Aboriginal community west of Gladstone and Rockhampton have warned that bringing alcohol into the community will not be tolerated. The process is known as “sly grogging” and is responsible for alcohol fuelled violence and other social problems stemming from alcohol in the community.

    Police have issued a reminder to residents of the area that this practice of “sly grogging” will not be tolerated.

    According to Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Kris Richards in an article on GladstoneObserver.com.au the police have seized a large amount of alcohol after intercepting vehicles in and around Woorabinda recently.

    The post on www.GladstoneObserver.com.au goes on to explain:

    “Since an alcohol management plan was implemented in our community in 2008, we have continued to step up our efforts to reduce alcohol-related incidents in Woorabinda,” he said.

    “People being found in possession of alcohol in the community continues to be of concern, and we have responded to a number of incidents recently in which people have allegedly purchased liquor in other towns and have brought them into Woorabinda.

    “Sadly, these people are taking advantage of the community. We believe they are selling banned alcohol at inflated prices, and encouraging binge drinking which has a profound negative impact on our area – including violent incidents, assaults and other anti-social behaviour.”

    Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/police-issue-sly-grog-warning-after-incidents/2051718/

    According to Sen. Sgt. Richards Woorabinda Police will be practicing a zero tolerance approach to sly grogging and will be taking action against anyone who brings or plans to bring alcohol into the community.

    Roads around the area will be patrolled regularly and police will be visiting all licensed premises within a 200km radius of the town.

    Sen. Sgt Richards also explained that police are relying on support and assistance of the public to ensure that the community is kept safe.

    The post goes on to explain:

    Sen Sgt Richards said Woorabinda Police had a zero tolerance approach to sly grogging.

    “We will not hesitate to take action against anyone planning to bring alcohol into our community or who is found to be in possession of alcohol,” he said.

    “Our proactive approach means we will continue to patrol all access roads leading to Woorabinda and will continue to work with all licensed premises within a 200 kilometre radius of our town.

    “We value our partnership with the Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council and appreciate the support of the Mayor as we continue to roll out enforcement action.”

    Community awareness and assistance from the public is a vital part of ensuring the Woorabinda Police are able to keep the community safe, Sen Sgt Richards said.

    Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/police-issue-sly-grog-warning-after-incidents/2051718/

    The article goes on to urge anybody with information about any person committing alcohol-related offences in Woorabinda to contact police on 4913 2333 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

     

     

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol Update: Man Arrested for Sly Grogging

    An elder statesman in The Odin’s Warriors outlaw motorcycle club has been arrested for sly-grogging. The motorcycle club then handed over the remainder of their stash of booze from their Moorooka clubhouse to the government.

    The man, Sergeant-at-arms Brian Whowell, 64, received a fine of $3000 for selling alcohol without a licence. He pleaded guilty in the Holland Park Magistrates Court.

    A reporter from www.News.com.au had this to say about the incident:

    The partially-deaf grandfather-of-three, who was without his hearing aid in court because it was sent away for repair after he stepped on it, took the rap for the sale of beer and spirits at a party at the bikies’ clubhouse on March 15.

    Police raided the Unwin St clubhouse where they found a throng of people drinking, a band playing, and drinks on display with a price list.

    Whowell was cooperative with police and told them he had the authority to take responsibility for the act, his lawyer Louisa Pink said.

    Magistrate Col Strohfeld ordered the alcohol be forfeited to the Crown, and referred Whowell’s fine to the State Penalties Enforcement, “or you can pass the hat around at the next meeting”.

    “I think we’ll have to,” Whowell replied.

    Read more: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/odins-warriors-motorcycle-club-member-fined-for-selling-alcohol-without-licence/story-e6frfkp9-1226624412994#ixzz2RAdVspKP

    One of the reasons why sly-grogging is such a serious offence is because of it’s potential to cause damage to the community. The sale and supply of alcohol needs to be strictly regulated and monitored to ensure that it is not being sold in excess. That is one of the responsibilities of a licenced venue, to ensure that alcohol is being sold in a responsible manner that is not damaging to society.

    People who sell alcohol illegally are not adhering to the law and certainly are not observing Responsible Service of Alcohol laws. For example one of the rules of responsible service of alcohol is not providing alcohol to any unduly intoxicated patrons – it is highly unlikely that sly-groggers observe these regulations and therefore are causing harm to the individual being excessively served as well as the community.

    Servers of alcohol (including waitrons, barmen and security staff of licenced venues) must undergo Responsible Service of alcohol training in order to learn who to serve alcohol and to whom alcohol service should be denied. Training also includes how to enforce RSA laws.

    In addition to the harm that serving unduly intoxicated patrons can cause, servers are also making themselves liable to fines if caught by authorities.

    Remember servers and managers, as well as owners will be held responsible by authorities for everything that occurs within the walls of their venue. Intoxicated customers are more at risk than sober individuals when returning home as they are more vulnerable to car crashes and attacks. So you have a responsibility to yourself and to your patrons to ensure you act responsibly in your service of alcohol.