GAMING REFORM: NO EASY SOLUTIONS

Pundits calling for the unadulterated application of strict reforms on gaming machines are crying foul over the looming hurdles of the NSW cashless trial, conveniently ignoring nuance and conflating numbers to further sensationalise gambling. Answering public pressure in the lead-up

MUSIC MAKES THE MOOD

Research released by APRA has confirmed that music “unequivocally arouses” specific emotions in patrons, affecting their mood, spending and eating behaviour. In a hospitality setting, diner choices are influenced by the way music affects how the brain processes memory, potentially

HURLEY HOTELS GETS BIGGER WITH THE BARKER

The Hurley Hotel Group has announced the acquisition of the iconic Barker Hotel, culminating a two-decade rein for the Fassina family. The family-owned South Australian hotel group currently operates a portfolio of nine hotels, including the renowned Arkaba, Hotel Royal,

HPI’S TAKEOVER-BUSTING GROWTH STRATEGY

Hotel Property Investments is embracing a strategy in line with its moniker, looking to a raft of opportunities in a virile market in a fight-back against the attempted takeover by Charter Hall and Hostplus. After an initial bid in September,

OPPORTUNITY RISES IN THE EAST

The landmark East Brunswick Hotel on Lygon Street has come to market, providing an opportunity seldom seen in Melbourne to acquire a freehold going concern. The prominent three-storey corner pub resides on a 380sqm block less than 20 minutes from

MAN DIES AFTER CUP DAY ASSAULT

A man is behind bars, facing escalated charges after a man he allegedly punched at the Ettamogah Hotel has died of his injuries. Around 8pm on Tuesday night, following a Melbourne Cup event, emergency services were called to ALH’s premise

SONNEL EMBRACES INCLUSIVITY THROUGH SPORT

The newly rebranded Sonnel Hospitality is breaking new ground in Sydney’s sports and hospitality scene with an initiative amplifying inclusivity through a focus on women’s sports and events. ‘Her Sport, Her Bar’ (HSHB) aims to make sports bars welcoming, inclusive

VGCCC PROVIDES CLARITY ON GAMING IN PUB SALES

Victoria’s regulator continues its tight rein on gambling activities in the state, but concedes that marketing material on pubs advertised for sale must be able to detail their gaming assets. The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has taken

BACKYARD BREW-TIFUL: MELBOURNE’S SUBURBAN OASIS

A new pop-up is set to take Suburban Melbourne to new heights of culture. ‘The Backyard’, a combined effort from iconic venue The Suburban and popular craft brewery Mountain Culture Beer Co, opens Friday, 15th November, just in time for

TILLEY & WILLS EXIT RICHMOND, HEADING NORTH

Tilley & Wills have divested their large-format Richmond Inn Hotel to a local ‘Lion’ as the intrepid operators forge north. Popularly known as the Ricky Inn, the historic suburban hotel was built 1864, occupying a 2,996sqm corner opposite the train