An unnamed Huon Valley hotel has been fined for allegedly supplying a young, 15-year-old teenager with alcohol.
The licensee of the licensed premises was fined $2,923, while a staff member at the hotel received a $970 fine and an adult friend of the youth received a $190 fine.
Kingston Inspector Colin Riley said the infringements were issued as part of a broader investigation, sparked by a brawl involving disorderly patrons outside the premises on July 1.
The alleged altercation left a 25-year-old Glen Huon man with serious but not life-threatening head injuries and also saw the 15-year-old youth allegedly assaulted.
Riley said officers have since charged a 21-year-old Kingston man over the incident, as well as an unrelated serious assault in the states north.
“This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that can arise from alcohol-fuelled violence,” Inspector Riley said.
“Head injuries sustained during such altercations can lead to life-altering consequences for the victims.”
Riley added that it was “extremely disheartening” to see the staff at the licensed establishment “disregard their obligation to enforce age restrictions and provide alcohol to a person so young”.
“We expect a higher standard of responsibility from those involved in the service of alcohol.”
The Kingston man has since been bailed to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on August 21.
