The Australian Pub That Lost Its Licence for Serving One Man Over 40 Drinks in Two Days

A pub in Stockton, New South Wales, has become the centre of a striking liquor regulation case after authorities found its staff served a single customer more than 40 alcoholic drinks over two separate visits. The Gladstone Hotel's managers have now been sanctioned, reigniting debate around responsible service of alcohol laws in Australia.

What Happened at the Gladstone Hotel?

The Gladstone Hotel in Stockton came under scrutiny after regulators at Liquor and Gaming NSW investigated two separate drinking sessions involving the same customer. Authorities found that staff failed to intervene despite visible signs of intoxication on both occasions, as per LADBible.

How Many Drinks Did the Customer Have?

According to AFP, the more serious incident occurred on 23 March 2024, when the customer arrived shortly after midday and stayed for around five hours. He was reportedly served 19 beers, a tequila, and a Cointreau. During an earlier visit, the same individual was served 22 beers and a shot, bringing his total across both days to over 40 alcoholic drinks.

What Did Witnesses and CCTV Footage Reveal?

Witnesses described the customer stumbling into furniture and becoming overly friendly with other patrons. According to the NSW hospitality and tourism department, CCTV footage showed him collapsing in the street outside the Gladstone Hotel after leaving, before a passerby stepped in to help.

Did Staff Not Notice the Warning Signs?

Bar manager Mark Keegan reportedly continued serving the customer despite these signs, at one point bringing over a fresh beer before the previous one was finished. Keegan has maintained the customer appeared fine, saying the only sign he noticed was a slight stumble, as per LADBible.

What Did Regulators Conclude?

Liquor and Gaming NSW found the patron displayed multiple signs of intoxication that should have been identified and acted upon well before he reached such a dangerous state.

What Penalties Followed?

Liquor and Gaming NSW sanctioned the venue's managers over the incidents. Keegan's wife had already been banned from managing the pub following the earlier visit involving the same customer.

Why Does This Case Matter Beyond One Pub?

According to official figures, Australians consumed an estimated 82 litres of beer per person during the 2019-20 financial year, based on LADBible. Cases like this illustrate precisely why pub licence accountability and responsible service of alcohol laws remain a serious regulatory matter nationwide.

(With inputs from yMedia)