June 26th 2024.
A Sydney hotel has recently been penalized for a rather concerning incident. It seems that the Mortdale Hotel, located in the southern part of Sydney, was found to be in violation of the state's gaming laws during an inspection last August. The issue at hand was that the main bar's exit door was locked, leaving patrons with no choice but to pass through the gaming room in order to leave the premises. This resulted in a fine of $2250 for the hotel.
Paul Whitehead, the licensee of the hotel, was found guilty of breaching the state's gaming laws by the Downing Centre Local Court. He had pled guilty to the charge, which ultimately led to his conviction. This situation has brought to light the importance of following gaming legislation in New South Wales. The law stipulates that venues must provide a separate exit and entry for patrons, one that does not require them to walk through a gaming room.
Jane Lin from Liquor & Gaming NSW has expressed concern over the hotel's actions, stating that it put patrons at risk of potential gambling harm. The regulations in place are meant to minimize the risks of gambling addiction and its consequences. Ms Lin has also pointed out that apart from breaking the law, the hotel's decision to force patrons through the gaming room could have caused harm to their well-being.
This incident serves as a reminder that licensees must adhere to gaming machine regulations and failure to do so can result in prosecution. It is crucial for hotels and other establishments to prioritize the safety and well-being of their patrons, especially when it comes to matters of gambling. Let this be a lesson to all licensees and a reassurance to the public that the authorities are vigilant in enforcing these laws for the benefit of everyone involved.
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