Page 31 - Manage Licenced Premises Learner Workbook

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The duty manager’s responsibilities regarding the HOW TO CREATE A SAFE DRINKING
advertising and promotion of alcohol are to ensure ENVIRONMENT
advertising and promotions do not encourage excessive
or irresponsible consumption, and to not undertake OVERCROWDING AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES
promotions that conflict with the Act.
Overcrowding – Duty Manager’s Responsibilities:

BENEFITS OF CREATING A RESPONSIBLE LICENSED For safety reasons, most premises must show a maximum
DRINKING ENVIRONMENT number of people allowed in each bar or lounge.

Creating a responsible licensed drinking environment If your premises are overcrowded it is not be safe because
benefits you, your staff and your customers and it helps to: it will be difficult to evacuate quickly and safely. The Police
could shut you down for overcrowding.
• Reduce alcohol abuse, anti-social behaviour and
alcohol related crime. The maximum occupancy is based on the Building Code
• Improve the enjoyment, safety and appeal of your city 2004, the fire report submitted, the number of exit doors
or local area. and the type of fire alarms fitted. You must:

Let’s have a look at some specific examples of benefits in • Display a sign the shows the maximum occupancy
relation to the following categories: self; the establishment; (highest number allowed).
the customer; the community. • Have a system for counting how many people are on
the premises.
Benefits to yourself would be less stress at work about • Have a system in place to reduce numbers
complying with the licence and the Act, greater job immediately if they go over the maximum (e.g. stop
security, and greater job enjoyment. people from entering and stop service, turn the music
off, put lights on full, count the numbers leaving).
Benefits to your establishment would be less likelihood
of prosecution or having the licence cancelled, more If they visit and find you that you are overcrowded, the
customers as it is a more enjoyable, safer environment Police will stop you operating until you reduce the numbers
and, as a consequence of this, a stronger more profitable to the required level. Council building compliance officers
business. can also issue instant fines up to $3,500 each to the
manager and licensee.
Benefits to your customers would be they would be
in a safe, enjoyable environment, they can enjoy good,
responsible service, and they will have better long-term
health outcomes through a lower consumption of alcohol.

Benefits to your community would be a reduction
of alcohol abuse, anti-social behaviour and alcohol
related crime – therefore a safer community, health and
emergency services will be more available to everyone,
and there would be lower health costs. It would also allow
police to spend more time and resources in other areas of
the community where they are required.

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