NSW Government's decision on distilled spirits "unjustifiable", DSICA says

The NSW Government’s decision to ban the sale of shots, doubles and certain ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages is “completely unjustifiable”, the Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia (DSICA) claims.

“Patron behaviour is about the individual and the responsible service of alcohol to them. It is not about what type of drink they have in their hand after midnight,” said DSICA spokesperson Stephen Riden.

“It is hard to see any valid reasoning behind the pointless decision to ban some RTDs. What is the real difference between an RTD at 5.1% alcohol and a cider or beer at 5%? Wine has 12-13% alcohol but there are no extra restrictions on its service.

“The ban on the sale of shots and doubles is also very likely to halt the sale of neat premium spirits such as brandy and whiskey. Why would a venue take the risk to its licence that those drinks will not be consumed rapidly? It doesn’t say much for Sydney’s image as an international city if an adult cannot have a cocktail unless it is on a list.

“One of the strangest elements of the new drink restrictions is that it’s a blanket ban, whereas the restrictions on serving alcohol in glasses or extra RSA marshals are only for venues picked out by the liquor regulator as having a problem. We believe that if the drinks bans are to be applied, it should be on the same basis.

“There will be a midnight swill to match the six o’clock swill of the fifties and sixties as people who prefer spirits order their drinks before the midnight restrictions begin.”