Inspectors from Liquor & Gaming NSW have seized 191 bottles and cans of alcohol from an unlicensed supermarket in Camperdown, located in Sydney’s Inner West. The store, Oriental Express on Parramatta Rd, is accused of selling alcohol to undercover inspectors on Wednesday, August 28, without holding a required liquor licence.
The seized drinks ranged from 4.5% to a staggering 56% alcohol content. The selection included Sizak Soju in various flavours, Golden River and Pearl River beer, and Jiang Xiaobai fruit cubes, among others.
Jane Lin, Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at Liquor & Gaming NSW, emphasised that selling alcohol without a licence is a serious violation of the Liquor Act 2007. Those found guilty can face fines up to $11,000, imprisonment, or both.
“Unlicensed premises are not subject to the same strict regulations as licensed ones, which raises the potential for alcohol-related harm,” Lin stated. “There is an increased risk that someone under 18 could buy highly potent alcoholic beverages.”
Licensed supermarkets have stringent controls to prevent minors from purchasing alcohol or even being in the alcohol section without a responsible adult. However, the drinks seized from Oriental Express were not clearly labelled in English as alcoholic, and the bright packaging—including fruits and emojis—could attract children.
“The idea of a child consuming a drink with up to 56% alcohol content is deeply concerning and could have devastating consequences,” Lin added.
The owners of Oriental Express will have a chance to respond to these allegations before further action is taken. Lin also reminded businesses that Liquor & Gaming NSW conducts both overt and covert operations to ensure compliance with liquor laws and will take strong action against those selling alcohol illegally.
“Any alcohol found in violation of the law may be seized and forfeited in addition to penalties,” she noted. “We regularly inspect stores in response to reports of illegal alcohol sales, and previous operations have uncovered similar issues in areas such as Chatswood, Eastwood, Epping, Cabramatta, and Mascot.”
Past enforcement actions have included seizing illegal goods, issuing fines, and even prosecuting those responsible.
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