The NSW OLGR has announced plans to conduct a series of events to brainstorm a new era of a “safe and vibrant” hotel industry.
The Office of Liquor Gaming & Racing (OLGR) has this week kicked off plans for six Information Exchange events around the State, bringing together stakeholders including OLGR representatives, licensees, liquor accords, local Council representatives, Police, health, and community groups.
Slated to include presentations, panel discussions and workshops for industry and regulators, the series will begin in Bateman’s Bay this Tuesday and conclude in Sydney mid-October.
Preliminary meetings were held in key locations on Wednesday, to introduce the concept.
President of the CBD Liquor Accord, industry veteran Steven Speed, told PubTIC the initiative is definitely a step in the right direction.
“As a representative of the Accord, it was pleasing everybody was in the room,” said Speed.
“We will absolutely be involved with the day planned for Sydney.”
Speed says that the introductory meeting drew an impressive array of perspectives, including City Central Police, the Salvation Army’s ‘Take Care’ unit, the Taxi Council and secure taxi rank security, representatives from Sydney Trains, the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Rangers, city cleaners, and of course, licensees.
The Information Exchange days will start with presentations by keynote speakers from OLGR, Police and other Government regulators on their roles, focusing on alcohol harm minimisation and implications for venues, followed by a Q&A discussion with an expert panel.
The second session will be workshops for both liquor accord executives and regulators, discussing how to develop successful accords, including membership strategies and working collaboratively with regulators, and importantly “local solutions for local problems”.
OLGR says the workshops will mandate “best practise solutions” and encourage support for Accords.
Hoteliers wishing to learn more or get involved should register online or contact OLGR directly. (02) 9995 0312 accords@olgr.nsw.gov.au
The Information Exchange events are scheduled for:
- Batemans Bay – Tuesday 8 September
- Wagga Wagga – Thursday 10 September
- Dubbo – Tuesday 15 September
- Coffs Harbour – Thursday 17 September
- Blacktown – Thursday 8 October
- Sydney CBD – Tuesday 13 October