The former manager of the Gladstone Hotel in Stockton NSW has been banned from managing licensed premises, two years after his wife’s approval to manage licensed premises was withdrawn.

A Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) investigation found a patron was served 21 alcoholic drinks over more than five hours before collapsing outside the venue, which was managed by Mark Keegan.

An earlier NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) decision banned former licensee Tracy Keegan for two years over a separate serious intoxication incident at the same hotel.

The latest decision means both former operators have now been sanctioned following serious responsible service of alcohol failures at the Gladstone Hotel.

L&GNSW investigated the matter after receiving a complaint that a male patron had collapsed outside the hotel on 23 March 2024.

The investigation found the patron consumed 21 alcoholic beverages, 19 beers and two shots, between 12.57pm and 6.27pm before leaving in an advanced state of intoxication.

Liquor & Gaming NSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations Dimitri Argeres said: “This patron displayed multiple signs of intoxication that should have been identified and acted upon by staff well before the patron reached such a dangerous state.

“This is particularly concerning given this is the second serious intoxication matter involving the Gladstone Hotel in recent years.

“Venues must have effective systems in place to identify intoxication, intervene early and protect patrons from harm. Where those systems fail, Liquor & Gaming NSW will take action.”

ILGA found Keegan failed in his responsibility as approved manager to ensure the proper supervision and management of the venue and ordered the withdrawal of his approval to manage licensed premises.

The decision follows earlier disciplinary action involving the same hotel. In May 2024, former licensee Tracy Keegan was banned for two years after an intoxicated patron was served 22 schooners of beer and a shot over six-and-a-half hours. Investigators found the patron continued to be served despite clear signs of intoxication.

The hotel’s liquor licence has since been transferred to a new licensee.

ILGA has also previously imposed CCTV and Plan of Management conditions on the venue following complaints and investigations.