In a startling turn of events, an Aussie supermarket has found itself at the centre of a significant regulatory crackdown.

This move highlights ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with local liquor regulations and maintain public safety.

The operation underscores the commitment of regulatory bodies to uphold standards within the retail sector.

Liquor and Gaming NSW, the state's authority on alcohol regulation, has seized a staggering 191 bottles and cans of alcohol from Oriental Express, a supermarket located on Parramatta Road in Camperdown after a routine inspection revealed a serious breach of the law.

The incident, which unfolded last week, has sent ripples through the local community and serves as a stark reminder of the stringent laws governing the sale of alcohol in Australia.

According to the regulator, the supermarket was caught red-handed selling alcohol to covert inspectors on Wednesday, August 28, despite not having a valid liquor licence.

Liquor and Gaming NSW seized 191 bottles and cans of alcohol from Sydney's Oriental Express supermarket for unlicensed sales. Credit: Google Maps

‘The drinks for sale on the supermarket shelves ranged in alcohol content from 4.5 per cent to 56 per cent,’ Liquor and Gaming NSW said in a statement.

‘They included Sizak Soju in various flavours, Golden River and Pearl River beer, Jiang Xiaobai fruit cube, and Jiang Xiaobai fruit cube grape.’

Jane Lin, the Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at Liquor and Gaming NSW, emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating that selling alcohol without a licence is one of the most serious offences under the Liquor Act 2007.

The consequences for such an infraction are severe, with potential fines of up to $11,000, imprisonment, or both.

‘Unlicensed premises are not subject to the same legislative controls as licensed premises are, which increases the risk of alcohol-related harm occurring,’ Ms Lin stated.

‘This could include someone under the age of 18 purchasing a drink with a very high alcohol content.’

‘Licensed supermarkets have particular controls in place to prevent minors purchasing alcohol or even being in the liquor sales area without a responsible adult,’ she added.

Ms Lin also pointed out that the drinks seized at the Parramatta Road supermarket were ‘not clearly marked in English as alcoholic’ and noted that some of the packaging ‘may appeal to minors with bright colours, fruits and emojis’.

‘Children consuming drinks with an alcohol content as high as 56 per cent could have tragic consequences,’ she explained.

According to the regulator, the owners of the Oriental Express will have a chance to address the allegations of unlicensed alcohol sales on their premises before any enforcement action is decided.

Ms Lin mentioned that Liquor and Gaming NSW carries out both visible and undercover compliance checks in NSW to identify venues selling alcohol without a licence and enforces strict penalties against those operating unlawfully.

‘Any liquor held by a person who is found guilty of selling liquor without a licence may be subject to seizure and forfeiture in addition to any penalties that may apply,’ she cautioned.

‘Liquor and Gaming NSW regularly conducts compliance operations in response to reports that some grocery stores sell alcohol without a liquor licence.’

‘Previous inspections of grocery stores in Chatswood, Eastwood, Epping, Cabramatta and Mascot found five businesses selling alcohol illegally.’

‘Previous Liquor and Gaming NSW enforcement action in relation to the sale of unlicensed liquor has included the seizure of goods, the issuing of penalty notices as well as prosecution,’ Ms Lin continued.

Key Takeaways

• Liquor and Gaming NSW seized 191 bottles and cans of alcohol from Oriental Express supermarket in Sydney for selling without a licence.
• The drinks had alcohol content ranging from 4.5 per cent to 56 per cent and were allegedly sold to covert inspectors.
• Selling alcohol without a licence is one of the most serious offences under the Liquor Act 2007, with penalties including fines up to $11,000 and jail time.
• The regulator highlighted that unlicensed sales increase the risk of alcohol-related harm, particularly to minors, and mentioned that some of the products' packaging could appeal to underage consumers.

We encourage our members to stay informed and support businesses that comply with the law, ensuring a safe and responsible community.

What are your thoughts on this development? Do you think the penalties associated with the offence are enough? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below, and let's continue to look out for one another.

 

[darrellh]

It would be highly unlikely that they were not aware they were selling alcoholic beverages without a licence. You can only imagine how catastrophic it would have been if young children had bought and consumed said drinks. Laws are in place for a reason.

 

[Squizzy1]

Up to an $11k fine, that's a slap with a wet lettuce if ever I saw one.

 

[DLHM]

Prison time as well as a fine is a more appropriate punishment. If the perpetrators aren’t Australian, they should be returned to their origins.

 

[Mr Chips]

Obtaining a liquor licence is a long and protracted event, and establishments that have one will agree. It is also quite expensive, so for people who import and retail alcoholic products without a licence, the fine should be a minimum of $110,000.00, with a closure of business notice and seizure of all stock.

 

[Veggiepatch]

There are several Chinese supermarkets in Springvale, Melbourne, that sell under the counter Chinese "jungle juice" which is around 60% alcohol for $5.00 a 750 mL bottle.

The stuff is rocket fuel, rendering the drinker an incoherent mess after a few glasses. Trouble is that it tastes like absolute shit!

 

[Mr Chips]

There are several Chinese supermarkets in Springvale, Melbourne, that sell under the counter Chinese "jungle juice" which is around 60% alcohol for $5.00 a 750 mL bottle.

The stuff is rocket fuel, rendering the drinker an incoherent mess after a few glasses. Trouble is that it tastes like absolute shit!

Which is probably what it contains!

 

[DLHM]

There are several Chinese supermarkets in Springvale, Melbourne, that sell under the counter Chinese "jungle juice" which is around 60% alcohol for $5.00 a 750 mL bottle.

The stuff is rocket fuel, rendering the drinker an incoherent mess after a few glasses. Trouble is that it tastes like absolute shit!

In my experience, young people don’t care about the taste. They just want to get as drunk as quickly as they can. The cheaper the better.