A GRIFFITH warehouse has been linked to a complicated bootleg liquor scheme, according to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The authority has fined a father and son $45,000 for selling more than $100,000 worth of alcohol through the unlicensed warehouse in Griffith.
Gregg Herron, business owner of Smithfield Cellars, a liquor store in Sydney's western suburbs, was fined $10,000 and ordered to pay $20,000 in legal costs.
His son, Clarke Herron, was fined $5000 and ordered to pay $10,000 in costs.
Both men also received a reprimand, conditional on the fines being paid within 60 days.
Don't risk your business' reputation. If you're buying alcohol from a wholesaler, make sure you're dealing with a licensed business.
- ILGA chairman Philip Crawford
The complicated scheme involved the sale of liquor from the unlicensed warehouse leased in Griffith.
The liquor was sourced from Queensland and illegally sold in and around Griffith to local NSW restaurants, bottle shops, clubs and hotels.
More news
The authority found the Herrons had "acted carelessly" and failed to obtain their own legal advice.
Authority chairman Philip Crawford said under the Liquor Act 2007 (NSW) it was illegal for a licensed liquor retailer to sell alcohol outside the scope of its licence or through another unlicensed premises.
"This ultimately puts customers at risk because there are no guarantees that what is being sold is genuine or safe," Mr Crawford said.
"Don't risk your business' reputation.
"If you're buying alcohol from a wholesaler, make sure you're dealing with a licensed business."
In its ruling, the authority also placed a condition on the licence of Smithfield Cellars.
The authority's decisions on the penalties can be viewed below, or through the department's website, liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au.
Venues and retailers can check a supplier's licence at www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/check-producerwholesaler-liquor-licence.
Disciplinary action in relation to All Liquor Wholesale and Gregg Herron
Disciplinary action in relation to Clarke Herron of Smithfield Cellars
- To keep up with breaking Wagga and Riverina news, sign up for our online newsletter