Licensing

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

NEW OLGR COMPLIANCE MODEL PUTS FOCUS ON SAFETY OVER RED TAPE

Posted on October 13th, 2025 by Jane Louise
Queensland’s Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) is introducing a revamped compliance program, representing a major transformation in how inspections are carried out throughout the state. The update has adopted an approach that is more balanced and industry-focused when

VIBRANCY REFORMS BOOST OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT

Posted on October 3rd, 2025 by Jane Louise
Under the latest rounds of the Minns Labor Government vibrancy reforms, it will be easier for New South Wales venues to use their outdoor spaces and host live entertainment for their community events. The Vibrancy Reforms are an initiative to

REGULATOR TAKING SCALPS OVER ATM RULES

Posted on September 12th, 2025 by Clyde Mooney
The NSW regular is taking a strict stance on the new laws around ATMs in pubs and clubs, issuing scores of penalty notices, including a hefty fine for Northlakes Tavern. Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&G) has been conducting inspections and

WILD AND WOOLLY IN THE BAY

Posted on August 1st, 2025 by Clyde Mooney
The iconic Woolloomooloo Bay ‘Woolly’ Hotel is in the spotlight for its role in the Sydney Giants’ wild end of season soiree that saw lewd and inappropriate acts, as the NSW regulator picks up after the AFL’s governing body.  

NSW REGULATOR BACK IN THE GAME

Posted on July 23rd, 2025 by Clyde Mooney
After recent references to pubs and clubs ‘raping’ local communities and a swift Ministerial smack-down, the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority appears to be back in the business of hospitality. In recent years the Authority (ILGA) has seemingly adopted an