The New Year warning comes following concerns of young people accessing online fake ID sites – with one underage person recently caught with a fake ID in a local supermarket liquor outlet.

The Gulgong Liquor Accord backs the move which will see any minors caught with fake IDs barred from all participating venues.

Rowena Ellis from The Prince of Wales Hotel said the message from local hotels and the liquor accord could not be clearer.

“This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated in venues,” she said.

“Underage drinking is an issue we take very seriously – quite frankly, it will not be tolerated. The message needs to get out there that the risk just isn’t worth it.

“Get caught and you will be celebrating your 18th at home, not in a hotel or club with your friends.”

AHA NSW Director of Liquor and Policing John Green praised the venues for their stand.

“With the penalties for allowing minors into licensed premises being significant, hotel staff are vigilant in checking for fraudulent or “lookalike” identification,” he said.

“As any young person using fake identification faces a full year being barred from all licensed premises in Gulgong after they turn 18, I’m surprised anyone would take that risk.”

“I congratulate Gulgong venues for taking this strong stand.” 

The “Re-think that Sneaky Drink” campaign sees any minor detected inside a pub or club attempting to enter or having entered unlawfully and attempting to obtain liquor barred until the age of 19.