Two-year ban for former Bondi Beach licensee after regulatory breaches uncovered
A former Bondi Beach licensee has been banned from holding a liquor licence or managing licensed premises in NSW for two years after a Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) investigation uncovered repeated and serious compliance failures at the former 34bondi venue.
The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) found grounds for disciplinary action against former licensee Alan Cunningham following public complaints and concerns about patron intoxication.
CCTV reviewed by inspectors from several occasions in 2024, including the City2Surf event on 11 August, showed patrons displaying clear signs of intoxication, including stumbling, losing balance, requiring support from others and vomiting outside the venue.
L&GNSW identified repeated breaches of liquor laws, including serving alcohol to intoxicated patrons, permitting intoxication on the premises, operating contrary to licence requirements, failing to comply with regulatory notices and allowing alcohol service by a staff member without a recognised RSA competency card. Investigators also found food was not available as required under the venue's restaurant licence.
L&GNSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations Dimitri Argeres said the outcome demonstrates the importance of strong compliance action to protect patrons and uphold confidence in the state's liquor industry.
"This disciplinary outcome follows a thorough Liquor & Gaming NSW investigation and sends a clear message that repeated breaches of liquor laws will not be tolerated," Mr Argeres said.
"Licensed venues have a responsibility to put patron safety first. When a licensee fails to meet those obligations, Liquor & Gaming NSW will take appropriate action to protect the community.
“Licensees are expected to comply with formal regulatory notices and engage constructively with investigations. A failure to do so raises serious concerns about their ability to meet the responsibilities that come with holding a liquor licence.”
In its decision, ILGA found Mr Cunningham was not a fit and proper person to hold a liquor licence, citing repeated breaches of liquor legislation, concerns about his integrity and a demonstrated unwillingness to comply with regulatory requirements, warranting a two-year disqualification.
ILGA's disciplinary decision can be found here
Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority, 2nd November 2026
