Guzman Y Gomez penalised for serving teenage minor vodka at popular restaurant

A popular Mexican fast food restaurant has come under scrutiny from the state’s liquor watchdog after a teenage minor was sold vodka by a staff member.

A teenage minor was served alcohol at the venue.

A popular Mexican fast food restaurant has issued an apology after a 16-year-old minor was sold vodka by a staff member.

Guzman Y Gomez in Dee Why has come under scrutiny from the state’s Liquor & Gaming Authority after the teenager was served the alcoholic drink while dining at the venue on May 8.

The incident was detected by two undercover police officers who observed the 16-year-old exiting the venue with what appeared to be the alcoholic beverage.

Further investigations by police determined the teenager had purchased the drink at the restaurant and that a staff member who sold the alcohol to the minor had failed to check their identification.

As a result, NSW Police issued an infringement notice to the restaurant licensee for allowing liquor to be sold or supplied to minors.

A photo of the Guzman y Gomez restaurant in Dee Why.

Liquor and Gaming has also imposed “two strikes” to the venue’s manager as part of the statewide “three strikes and you’re out” demerit point scheme applying to venues.

Under the scheme, venues that incur multiple demerit points within a three-year period can face disqualification or have liquor license suspended, depending on the number of demerit points incurred.

Guzman Y Gomez is known for its Mexican menu.

Guzman Y Gomez, in a statement, said the incident was regrettable and the venue had policies to ensure alcohol was not sold to minors.

“Unfortunately in May, a minor was served alcohol at our Dee Why restaurant after a crew person did not follow Guzman Y Gomez’s strict response service of alcohol procedures,” a company spokeswoman said.

“Two undercover police officers were outside the restaurant at the time who intercepted the minor and interviewed the managers on duty. Guzman Y Gomez takes this incident very seriously (and) we fully support the actions taken by the police.

“The infringement notice has been paid in accordance with the requirements of the notice.”

Guzman Y Gomez operates restaurants across Australia.

The spokeswoman said “disciplinary procedures have been followed” in relation to staff members who sold the alcohol.

“Communication (were also) sent to all employees at the time to remind them of the responsibility to ensure alcohol is served in accordance with the law and under the responsible service of alcohol guidelines,” she said.

“As a business, Guzman Y Gomez has strict policies and procedures in place relating to the supply and service of alcohol.

“Guzman Y Gomez takes the responsible service of alcohol very seriously and remains committed to ensuring our crew and restaurants adhere to both the legal and Guzman Y Gomez procedures and guidelines.”

The restaurant is one of 15 venues across NSW which have been issued demerit points by Liquor and Gaming for selling or allowing alcohol to be served to minors over the last two years.