Race clubs caught serving alcohol to underage racegoers face having their liquor licences suspended and the possibility of running “dry” meetings as regulators prepare for an increased on-course presence during major spring carnival meetings.
In a warning to racing officials, Liquor Control Victoria and Liquor & Gaming NSW have put race clubs on notice, as the sport enters a peak period and is heavily promoted as a social outlet, often with an emphasis on attracting a younger demographic.
“Inspectors will be out in force as we head into the spring racing season, with a focus on preventing the supply of alcohol to minors, as well as serving intoxicated patrons and other high-harm issues,” a Liquor Control Victoria spokesman told The Straight.
“Liquor Control Victoria takes the supply of liquor to minors very seriously and will take action if a licensee breaches the law or the conditions of their liquor licence.
“Inspectors regularly visit racing venues to ensure they are following the conditions of their licence so that everyone can enjoy themselves safely at the races.”
The regulator says it will also investigate any reports of underage drinking or supplying alcohol to minors during race meetings, with licensees facing fines or even the suspension of their licence for serious and repeated breaches.
“We encourage anyone who witnesses this type of conduct to report the matter by visiting Liquor Control Victoria or calling 1300 182 457,” it said.
Liquor Control Victoria’s message comes after Victoria Racing Club (VRC) chief executive Kylie Rogers’ teen son had his membership suspended for underage drinking in the committee room at Flemington on Makybe Diva Stakes Day.
According to a media report, the 17-year-old was seen consuming alcohol with a group of friends, prompting a complaint from a member to VRC chairman Neil Wilson.
“In line with club policy, we have initiated engagement with the regulator and have suspended the member,” a VRC statement published by the Herald Sun newspaper read.
“As the investigation into the VRC’s processes and procedures associated with the responsible service of alcohol is ongoing, the club will not be making any further comment at this point in time.”
It’s understood that Rogers’ son has had his membership suspended for three months.
Authorities have conducted more than 100 inspections at racing meetings across Victoria since the start of 2024.
They have found more than 35 breaches of licensing conditions, ranging from administrative infringements to high-harm offences, including serving alcohol to a minor.
Anyone caught serving alcohol to a minor can face fines of up to $24,421, along with higher annual licence fees.
The regulator can also take disciplinary action for serious and repeated breaches, which may result in a licence being suspended.
Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&G NSW) has joined its Victorian counterpart in a spring crackdown that also targets underage gambling.
The L&GNSW’s move follows the attendance of a department inspector at the recent Griffith Cup meeting, a once-a-year fixture in the NSW Riverina.
“L&GNSW will continue to undertake compliance activities and inspections at race days across NSW throughout the remainder of the year,” the regulator said.
A Racing NSW Country email sent to bookmakers and obtained by The Straight confirmed that the official had conducted an audit of on-course bookmakers.
The inspector raised concerns about the insufficient display of problem gambling awareness material at the racetrack.
“Additional pamphlets were sourced and distributed to the bookmakers, who complied without issue, and the matter was resolved,” the email read.
“Following this incident, Racing NSW Country has issued a reminder to clubs that they must ensure responsible gambling signage and materials are clearly displayed and readily available at all race meetings.
“While the ultimate responsibility rests with the club, it would be of great assistance if bookmakers could also support this compliance requirement.
“Racing NSW Country is asking that bookmakers keep responsible gambling posters and flyers with their race day gear, ensuring they are displayed at each meeting without the need for last-minute sourcing.
“This will help clubs meet their obligations and reduce the risk of non-compliance should further audits occur."
Racecourse operators and bookmakers can face significant penalties for breaching these laws, which are in place to protect minors from potentially serious harms associated with gambling and consuming alcohol.
“L&GNSW is committed to ensuring that racecourses within NSW operate safely and in line with requirements under the law,” the regulator told The Straight.
“Inspectors regularly conduct operations at racecourses to check compliance with laws preventing minors from gambling and buying or consuming alcohol.”
Under the NSW Liquor Act 2007, the maximum penalty for selling or supplying alcohol to minors is an $11,000 fine or 12 months’ jail.
The maximum penalty under the Unlawful Gambling Act 1998 and the Totalizator Act 1997 for allowing minors to gamble is a $5500 fine.
