How four beers in Alice Springs ended up costing $4500

THE licensee of an Alice Springs pub has been hit with another fine after bar staff served beer to a drunk woman after she stumbled drunkenly on the street and was nearly hit by a car.

Judge Wallace said he had to make sure licensees “don’t let things slide” at bars.

THE licensee of Alice Springs pub Bojangles has been hit with another fine after his bar staff served beer to a drunk woman after she stumbled drunkenly on the street and was nearly hit by a car.

Anthony Zaki Habib pleaded guilty to the actions of his employee and failing to exclude a drunk person.

In November last year, police saw a group of people outside the bar who looked drunk and smelt of grog.

After almost being hit by a car, the group were allowed inside the bar where the woman was served four beers by a bartender.

Police determined the woman had no medical conditions and took her into protective custody after she said she had nowhere to stay in Alice Springs.

A bartender served beer to a drunk woman at Bojangles Saloon

Prosecutor Bethany Nolan said Habib was previously fined by the Liquor Commission for similar offending.

“It’s the responsibility of the licensee to be vigilant.”

Defence lawyer John McBride said staff could have been distracted and that it was an “obviously” profitable business for Habib.

Mr McBride also said Habib didn’t remember the incident and he questioned how he could know if people were drunk without a breathalyser.

Judge Dick Wallace said the community was “plagued” by alcohol abuse and “such offending must be fairly prevalent” even though it doesn’t end up in court often.

“It’s bad for the drinkers and it’s bad for everyone around them”

Judge Wallace said he had to make sure staff and licensees don’t “let things slide” in the future.

Habib was convicted and fined $4500.