The State Liquor Unit, responsible for monitoring Victoria’s licensed premises, recently banned undercover agents from drinking spirits on duty due to health risks arising from suspected drink-spiking incidents. These incidents were initially investigated as drink spiking, but toxicology tests revealed no traces of illicit drugs. Law enforcement has been gathering intelligence on syndicates producing counterfeit alcohol, with partnerships formed with the ATO Illicit Alcohol Team. Unlicensed distillers blend bootleg alcohol with water and liquor flavoring to mimic known brands. The ATO is concerned about the tax leakage and health risks associated with consuming illegally manufactured alcohol.
The recent crackdown on illicit alcohol activities resulted in the raid of an illegal distillery in Robinvale. The alcohol seized will be tested to determine the health impacts, with intelligence indicating potential mafia and outlaw bikie involvement in the illicit spirits trade. Organized crime is increasingly moving into the illicit alcohol industry to avoid high excise taxes. Small clubs may be unwittingly selling substitute booze, while larger venues should be aware of heavily discounted spirits not covering the excise. The bootleg alcohol is sometimes sold with fake labels from fictitious companies, posing risks of liver damage, blindness, and death.
The State Liquor Unit monitors licensed premises for intoxicated patrons, drunks, and underage drinkers, imposing fines and demerit points for violations. Clubs caught breaking the rules face tripled licensing fees for three years, leading to costly legal battles. Cases involving incidents like gunfire, stabbings, and alleged sexual assaults can result in venue closures. Undercover agents look for signs of intoxication among patrons, with staff’s knowledge or should have known criteria for proving violations. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to more penalty notices being issued, with karaoke bars and hostesses in booths raising concerns for human trafficking.
Karaoke bars with private booths and hostesses pose challenges for law enforcement, with some hostesses potentially being trafficked sex workers. The use of hostesses in booths, some of whom may have their passports seized until debt repayment, is a particular concern. One raid uncovered hostesses claiming to be on working visas with false credentials, highlighting the difficulty in regulating the industry. Undercover agents, including a sergeant fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin, gather intelligence on illegal activities in these establishments, often unveiling illegal practices through casual conversations and observation.
The ongoing crackdown on illicit alcohol activities includes raids on illegal distilleries, seizing counterfeit alcohol that poses health risks to consumers. The partnership between law enforcement agencies and the ATO aims to combat tax evasion and protect public health from the consumption of illegally manufactured alcohol. Authorities are increasingly concerned about the presence of organized crime in the trade of bootleg booze, with syndicates producing counterfeit products and evading high excise taxes. The illegal alcohol activities also impact licensed venues, risking closure and increased penalties for violations. Enforcement efforts target not only clubs and bars, but also illegal distilleries and manufacturers involved in the production and distribution of illicit alcohol.
