Five people have been fined for illegally selling alcohol via the online platform Airtasker to undercover inspectors in Sydney.
Two women and three men who sold and delivered bottles of $ 120 worth of vodka and tequila, among other products to buyers through the app, were arrested by Liquor & Gaming during the lockdown at Haymarket and Parramatta.
The five were fined a total of $ 3,740, with Airtasker also warning the need to boost the severity of the breach.
Liquor & Gaming compliance director Dimitri Argeres said trading unlicensed alcohol through apps and online platforms has been an ongoing concern, and significant penalties will be imposed.
Selling alcohol without a license is considered one of the most serious offenses under the NSW Liquor Act. This includes sales through online platforms or “mission” apps, Mr. Argeres said.
“Unauthorized delivery of alcohol carries a significant risk of alcohol-related harm such as supplying minors or intoxicated persons.
It is the responsibility of both the online platform and the individual administrator or vendor concerned to ensure that all necessary licenses and approvals are available.
“Notices of fines issued through this process should send a strong message to other markets and individual vendors that this behavior will not be tolerated.”
Argeres warned that the maximum penalty is 12 months in prison.
