The restrictions mean offending individuals would not be permitted at any licensed venue in Gunnedah, not even a restaurant with their parents, until the age limit was reached.

The proposed ban was in response to state government powers, which could shut down a licensed venue for up to 28 days if the venue was caught selling alcohol to minors.

Leading the ban push is Courthouse Hotel proprietor and Australian Hotels Association’s Tamworth and district delegate, Rob Broomham.

“Kids think it’s a game but it’s bankruptcy of a business,” he said, highlighting the plight of Hotel Steyne – a popular Manly establishment penalised with a seven-day closure earlier this year.

“Any hotel that closes for a week… it would be catastrophic.”

The method, which aimed to deter youths from sneaking into venues, was trialled successfully in other areas of NSW and Mr Broomham thought it could work in Gunnedah too.

“No hotel wants a kid drinking in their pub,” he said. “We’re trying to get people to know, they just can’t do it.”

The proposal was mooted last month during a visit to Gunnedah by AHA state director of liquor and policing, John Green.

He said the ban would complement existing strategies like identification scanners, used to bar underage entry and unruly patrons. Presently only a limited number of Gunnedah venues use such equipment.

“[Scanners] are a very effective tool to help at ensuring people are responsible for their own behaviour,” Mr Green said.

Inspector Paul Johnson from Gunnedah police was surprised to hear the new proposal. He agreed ID scanners were a strong deterrent of underage drinking but from memory, recalled only a handful of incidents of such activity.

The new enforcement on minors is due to be discussed at the Gunnedah Liquor Accord’s next meeting on November 12. If successful, the measures would take effect immediately across all licensed premises in Gunnedah.

Since the introduction of the minors sanction scheme in 2014, 11 venues had been served infringements.