The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority has imposed closure orders on two licensed Sydney karaoke bars for serious breaches of the liquor laws and drug-related matters.
Queen KTV karaoke bar on Liverpool Road, Ashfield, has been served with a long-term closure order and will be closed for six months as of 9pm on Friday 15 April.
The closure follows a police application alleging multiple breaches of licence conditions, including numerous incidents involving the detection of prohibited drugs including suspected overdoses on or near the premises; permitting intoxication of patrons (including minors); and failure to implement strategies to respond to identified risks to patrons and the community.
The Authority says the long term closure of the premises is necessary to prevent a significant risk to the public interest following the possession and/or use of suspected prohibited drugs on the premises.
Repeated failure by the premises management to ensure compliance with licence conditions including requirements not to supply alcohol outside of its licensed trading hours has compounded this risk.
The Authority also served a 72 hour short-term closure order on the K1 Karaoke Lounge in Dixon
Street, Haymarket from 12.30pm on Friday 15 April. The venue will remain closed until 12.30pm on Monday 18 April 2016.
It’s alleged the venue traded outside its authorised hours on numerous occasions and has allowed prohibited drugs, including cocaine, to be used on the premises.
Police have also lodged a long-term closure order application in relation to this venue, which will be considered separately by the Authority.