Licensing

NSW CRACKDOWN ON GAMING SHUTDOWN

Posted on December 1st, 2025 by Clyde Mooney
Hundreds of NSW pubs and clubs are likely to see a shakeup of their trading as the government looks to tighten variations to the mandatory shutdown period on gaming machines. As per the Gaming Machines Act 2001, registered hotels and

STRONGER SANCTIONS IN NEW NSW VIBRANCY LAWS

Posted on December 1st, 2025 by Jane Louise
The third phase of the Vibrancy reforms were passed in the New South Wales Parliament in November to continue support of the music and cultural sector and the state’s night-time economy. The Vibrancy reforms, which first came into effect in

REGULATOR WARNING AS A DOZEN VENUES FACE PENALTIES

Posted on November 28th, 2025 by Clyde Mooney
The Victorian regulator has penalised a dozen venues for breaching trading restrictions, and as Christmas approaches suggests operators ensure they know what restrictions may apply to their venue. “The festive season is just around the corner, and we appreciate it

FAKE DIGITAL IDs ON THE RISE

Posted on November 26th, 2025 by Clyde Mooney
An alarming increase in fake digital IDs is thought to be driven by widespread access to AI, and pubs are taking additional measures to reduce their risk of penalty. The option of digital identification has been introduced in most states

INSPECTORS HIT LICENSED VENUES TO SEE WHO MEASURES UP

Posted on November 21st, 2025 by Clyde Mooney
Between 20 and 24 October this year, licensed premises around the country were audited by trade measurement inspectors from the National Measurement Institute (NMI). Inspectors visited up to 350 licensed venues across Australia, checking that every glass, shot, nip, pint,

HOTEL SANCTIONED OVER UNDERAGE DRINKING

Posted on November 19th, 2025 by Jane Louise
The New South Wales regulator has disciplined the owner of a regional hotel following the discovery that minors consumed alcohol on the premises last May. While the hotel – the Australian Hotel in Young – was sanctioned for the breach,

NEW AUSTRAC RULES COMING INTO EFFECT

Posted on November 19th, 2025 by Clyde Mooney
Australia’s financial watchdog AUSTRAC has issued key updates to its Regulatory Guide that affect how pubs and clubs manage their AML/CTF obligations. In October AUSTRAC released its updated Regulatory guide for pubs and clubs with gaming machines, and accompanying priorities,

SYDNEY PUBS FINED OVER $150k FOR GAMING BREACHES

Posted on November 7th, 2025 by Clyde Mooney
Regulators have fined two Sydney pubs a total of $154,000 for gambling-related offences, including operating during the mandatory shutdown and machines not connected to the CMS.   Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&G) inspectors attended the Concourse Hotel at Wynyard Station at

TACKLING DRUG ABUSE WITH ANTIDOTE ROLLOUT

Posted on October 20th, 2025 by Clyde Mooney
The NSW government has expanded its initiatives to combat drug overdoses by announcing the voluntary rollout to hospitality venues of an opioid treatment that has been proven to save lives. The medication Naloxone will be offered to pubs, clubs and

NEW RULES TO GIVE PUBS DISCRETION ON INTOX PATRONS

Posted on October 13th, 2025 by Clyde Mooney
The NSW government is introducing a major change in licensing laws allowing operator discretion on removing intoxicated persons, in the pursuit of greater safety and reduced violence. The change will require modification of the Liquor Act as it applies to