The Saint under scrutiny again

The Saint Hotel on Fitzroy Street, St. Kilda has made International headlines again for getting introuble with liquor regulators over risque promotions. Sue Maclellan, Victoria's liquor licensing director today ordered Saint Hotel licensee Cameron Manning to scrap his "No Undie Sundie" event. The night run by Birdhouse managed to raise criticism after advertising in Beat magazine with the infamous paparazzi photo of Britney Spears getting out of a car without underwear and offering free drinks when women flashed their bra or undies to staff. They also offered a $50 drink card for women hanging their undies on a line above the bar. Combined with drink offers including $9 cocktails and $6 jager bombs, the advertisement and night have raised significant controversy.



Deb Bryant, a Melbourne Centre Against Sexual Assault spokesperson, said the event was no laughing matter. "It is totally irresponsible, using women to promote those sort of views let alone in terms of irresponsible drinking... It's not appropriate, it's sexist and just encourages inappropriate attitudes towards women."

The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) also said The Saint was a maverick "sexist" venue and out of step with community standards. Bill Healey, AHA chief executive, said "We are continuing to work hard to ensure that all licensed venues promote responsible consumption of alcohol and we believe this promotion is inconsistent with this objective."

The Saint was also caught up in controversy in June when it employed a dwarf to pour liquor down the throats of patrons, and would risk a fine of $13,000 and its licence if it defied the ban.

Source: NineMSN & BBC News

Only sporting clubs?

Professor Wayne Hall from the public health policy unit at the University of Queensland welcomed the recent anti-binge drinking campaigns by the government, whilst highlighting his concerns about trading hours and binge drinking at other licensed venues.
"I think there is a whole culture around binge drinking, particularly in pubs and clubs..." he stated during an interview with Deb Cameron on the ABC.

The Australian Hotel Association's director of national affairs, Bill Healy, rebutted by saying most alcohol is purchased from bottle shops and supermarkets - not pubs and clubs.
"Only 30 per cent of alcohol is consumed in hotels and clubs and other licensed premises... So we've got an issue that's much broader than pointing a finger at one sector of the community."


Source: ABC