Bondi ‘kerbside bars’ hit with 7-day ban from alcohol sales

Nine Bondi venues have been banned from serving alcohol for one week after offering cocktails to people to drink nearby, in breach of group gathering public health orders.

Nine venues in Bondi accused of operating “kerbside bars” have been banned from serving takeaway alcohol for one week to stop people from gathering in the streets.

While the state government regulations restrict Greater Sydney restaurants and cafes from offering sit-down meals, special provisions enable venues to offer takeaway food and alcohol during the lockdown.

However, Liquor and Gaming NSW compliance director Dimitri Argeres said authorities had witnessed venues offering cocktails to people to drink nearby or as they walked to the next “bar”.

He said the practice was encouraging the community to breach public health orders.

The direction, under section 75 of the Liquor Act, was issued to Bondi Rumba, Bondi Tony’s Burger Joint, TAQIZA, Italo House, Speakeasy, Neighbourhood, Bondi Liquor Co, Fonda Mexican and North Bondi Fish.

Neighbourhood has been stopped from selling alcohol, like this cocktail, for one week. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

The order prohibits takeaway sales of liquor directly from the venue for seven days, although home delivery may still occur.

“We’ve taken this action in response to concerns raised by the police and the community about drinks such as margarita cocktails in disposable cups being sold in multiple bars along Bondi Beach,” Mr Argeres said.

“While it is understandable hospitality businesses are trying to maximise business during these hard times, this activity doesn’t pass the pub test as it results in patron crowding, congestion and a lack of social distancing.

The Speakeasy Bar in Bondi.

Fonda Mexican in Bondi. Picture: Jiwon Kim

“As we respond to the pandemic, businesses must be aware of the effect their goods and services have on the community and on the public health orders. It’s not appropriate for this type of risky activity to continue given all our efforts and the sacrifices being made across Greater Sydney to reduce the community transmission of the Covid-19 Delta variant.”

A failure to comply with the direction carries a penalty of up to $11,000.

Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said the rules were in place for the safety of both staff and the community.

“If you don’t take the safety of your staff and community seriously, you should expect a visit from the inspectors,” he said.

“Too many people are doing it too tough for some businesses to treat the health orders as a joke.”