Feedback from the community and stakeholders plays an important role in helping us form plans, regulation and legislation.
View past community consultations:
The ClubGRANTS Scheme (Scheme) has not been formally reviewed since 2013, when the Auditor-General of NSW conducted a performance audit of the Scheme’s management. The ClubGRANTS Guidelines have evolved since that time in response to technological changes, changes to the industry and externalities such as drought, bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
To ensure the NSW Government’s standards for grant programs are being met, the ClubGRANTS Review (Review) will determine whether the Scheme provides cost effective benefits to local communities, including whether the taxation arrangements are appropriate, whether the regulatory framework remains fir for purpose, and whether the administration of the Scheme meets contemporary standards.
This will include examining all aspects of the Scheme and all options for reform, including repealing, reforming or amending the current Scheme.
Liquor & Gaming NSW will lead the Review in consultation with The Cabinet Office and NSW Treasury. The Review will run separately to, but concurrently with, the cashless gaming trials and may seek views from the Independent Panel for Gaming Reform.
This consultation closed on the 18 March 2024. Thank you to participants for providing input.
The NSW Government is exploring liquor licensing reform options.
The reforms aim to modernise the planning and liquor licensing systems to reduce costs, and make it easier for licensed businesses in NSW to start, grow and diversify, while managing the risk of alcohol-related harm and making it easier for the community to have their say.
We want to hear from the liquor industry, potential or previous licence applicants, community groups or local residents, advocacy and health groups, First Nations groups, special interest groups, stakeholders interested in the regulation of liquor and hospitality businesses in NSW, and members of the public to find out if our reform options will work, and if there are any other ideas we can consider.
Tell us what you think through the Have Your Say webpage from 25 October to 13 December 2022.
The NSW Government has reviewed the alcohol delivery reforms which commenced on 1 July 2021.
The reforms aimed to better regulate alcohol delivery services and address the heightened risk of minors or intoxicated people accessing those services.
The review was conducted in two stages. Stage 1 consultations closed on 12 August 2022 and stage 2 consultations closed on 28 August 2023.
The final reports can be viewed here.
The NSW Government invites public comment on the proposed:
The existing Regulations, which are due to expire on 1 September 2022, set the standards around the conduct of betting service providers so players can freely pursue wagering as a safe form of leisure and entertainment.
The proposed Regulations keep many of the existing rules but include updates to better align with changing industry and community expectations. Key changes will strengthen gambling harm minimisation measures such as counselling services and penalty notice prescriptions.
Regulatory Impact Statements, proposed Regulations and more details are available at Have Your Say
The consultation period closed on 22 June 2022.
For more information, visit the NSW Government website Have your say.
We evaluated LiveData to assess whether it has been useful to decision makers, liquor licensing applicants and the community, and to identify opportunities for improvement.
LiveData is an online tool that allows users to search and generate a report which includes demographic, alcohol-related crime and health data relating to any suburb or Local Government Area (LGA) in NSW.
LiveData aims to support an evidence-based approach to decision-making and improve access to data for liquor licensing applicants and the community.
LiveData can be used to help:
This engagement closed on 8 November 2021. Thank you to participants for providing input.
We have reviewed all feedback submitted and reported on the findings internally.
The LiveData site is currently under review and the findings from the consultation will be considered during the review process.
Liquor & Gaming NSW evaluated how effective the NSW Government’s 2018 gaming machine reforms have been in:
The 2018 gaming machine reforms included changes to the LIA scheme, including changes to the way high-risk areas are identified and the introduction of a gaming machine leasing scheme for small clubs and hotels. The reforms aimed to achieve:
The final report can be viewed here.
The Newcastle liquor licensing trial aimed to support the re-invigoration of Newcastle’s night-time economy by relaxing certain liquor licence conditions for eligible venues.
Stage 1 of the trial ran from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021 and was available to venues with a small bar or on-premises liquor licence in the suburbs of Newcastle, Newcastle East, Newcastle West and Cooks Hill.
The trial involved the relaxation of conditions that allowed:
L&GNSW worked with City of Newcastle Council to evaluate the impacts of the trial.
Some of the key findings were:
The full Stage 1 evaluation report is available.
Stage 2 of the trial ran from 17 October 2021 to 17 October 2022 and involved hotels, bars and nightclubs in the suburbs of Newcastle (including Honeysuckle), Newcastle East, Newcastle West, and Hamilton (including venues on the Hamilton boundary in Islington).
The trial included:
The full Stage 2 evaluation report is available.
Evaluation of the Newcastle liquor licensing trial Stage 2 report PDF, 3537.97 KB
For more information, see the Statement of Regulatory Intent - Stage Two Liquor Licence Trial in Newcastle page.
The purpose of the Tiered Industry Training Framework (TITF) is to reduce alcohol-related harm in NSW and improve responsible service of alcohol procedures by ensuring that liquor industry staff are trained at a level that is appropriate to their roles. It includes Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and RSA Refresher courses for all liquor industry workers, the RSA Bridging course for qualified interstate workers, Licensee Training for most licensees and Advanced Licensee Training for licensees of high-risk premises.
An evaluation of the TITF was undertaken by L&GNSW and specifically focused on the uptake, efficiency and impact of training introduced under the framework. Stakeholders were consulted via a call for written submissions, training course participant surveys, and stakeholder interviews.
A discussion paper PDF, 371.31 KB was developed to provide information about the evaluation. It included targeted questions to help stakeholders provide feedback on the framework, including:
The key evaluation findings were:
The evaluation made 14 recommendations, including recommendations to improve:
The full evaluation report is available.
The consultation on the Gaming Machines Amendment (Gambling Harm Minimisation) Bill 2020 is now closed. Consultation took place between September and December 2020.
Feedback will be carefully considered before the Bill is finalised and introduced into Parliament.
The NSW Government is committed to reducing gambling harm across NSW.
The Gaming Machines Amendment (Gambling Harm Minimisation) Bill 2020 will update the Gaming Machines Act 2001 to help registered clubs and hotels minimise gambling harm and provide support to gaming machine players.
The Bill would change responsibility for managing gambling related harms. Instead of only needing to provide support when someone specifically asks for help, clubs and hotels would need to actively identify and assist gaming machine players who display problematic gambling behaviours.
Some of the changes would include:
The proposed changes respond to the need to support gaming machine players experiencing problems, and improve the way clubs and hotels can minimise gambling harm as they continue to get back to business.
Liquor & Gaming NSW has consulted with the Office of Responsible Gambling to help draft the Bill.
Other reforms carried out since 2017 as part of the government’s commitment to reducing gambling harm include:
GambleAware, call anytime, free and confidential 1800 858 858.
Our public consultation on laws to help grow a 24-hour economy closed on Sunday 28 June 2020.
The NSW Government wants to support our nightlife’s recovery after COVID-19 restrictions are eased, and create a vibrant and safe 24-hour economy with risk-based liquor laws that support business. The Liquor Amendment (24-hour Economy) Bill 2020 is part of the second stage of our 24-hour economy liquor law reforms. It includes proposed liquor law changes, to help our night time economy grow while managing alcohol-related harm.
The Bill also enhances same day alcohol delivery regulation. This includes strengthening controls with age verification, to reduce the risk of supply to under 18-year-olds.
In September 2019, the NSW Parliament Joint Select Committee released its report on Sydney's night time economy.
In November 2019, the NSW Government released its response to the report PDF, 219.92 KB and announced the changes would be completed in stages.
On 14 January 2020, the first stage was completed. Key changes included:
In February 2020, the NSW Government announced it would develop a 24-hour Economy Strategy.
While these initiatives were progressing, Liquor & Gaming NSW also consulted on proposed laws to regulate same day alcohol delivery. The feedback received was considered and incorporated into the draft Bill. More information is on the Liquor & Gaming website.
Consultation on the Liquor Amendment (24-hour Economy) Bill 2020 took place in May and June 2020.
The feedback received was carefully considered before the Bill was finalised, and the Bill has now passed Parliament, so that key reforms can be implemented to support business.
As part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to effective regulation of gaming machines, the Gaming Machines Regulation 2019 will come into effect on 1 September 2019. It replaces the expiring Gaming Machines Regulation 2010 and can be found on the NSW Legislation website from 1 September.
The Regulation provides the legislative and administrative framework for the operation of the Gaming Machines Act 2001.
The Regulation introduces minor administrative changes that enhance harm minimisation measures and player information, and removes unnecessary and repetitive clauses. It also introduces a fee unit structure for gaming-related licences and application fees.
Learn more about the minor changes in the Regulation.
The public and stakeholders were invited to provide feedback on the Regulatory Impact Statement PDF, 811.5 KB and the proposed Regulation PDF, 525.63 KB by Wednesday 17 July 2019. Read the submissions below.
Minor changes were made to the Regulation following the consultation process. For more information about these changes please read the Consultation Report PDF, 372.93 KB.
As part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to effective regulation of casinos, the Casino Control Regulation 2019 will come into effect on 1 September 2019. It replaces the expiring Casino Control Regulation 2009 and can be found on the NSW Legislation website from 1 September.
The Regulation supports the Casino Control Act 1992 through rigorous, transparent and risk-based regulatory practices.
The Regulation introduces minor administrative changes that enhance harm minimisation measures, remove redundant clauses and clarify some compliance processes and general terminology. Changes have also been made to reflect liquor sale and service requirements under the Liquor Act 2007 and Liquor Regulation 2018.
The public and key stakeholders were invited to provide feedback on the Regulatory Impact Statement PDF, 842.9 KB and the proposed Regulation PDF, 525.63 KB by Wednesday 17 July 2019. Read the submissions below.
Minor changes were made to the Regulation following the consultation process. For more information about these changes, please read the Consultation Report.
Our public consultation on proposed laws for same-day alcohol deliveries closed on Wednesday 6 November.
The same-day alcohol delivery market has grown quickly. It’s a fast and convenient way for people to have alcohol delivered to their home or work.
New laws around these services were proposed to reduce the risks of harm linked to:
New laws about alcohol delivery in NSW has been introduced as part of the 24-hour economy liquor law reforms. The laws will apply to all licensed businesses, meal delivery services, and other people and businesses that deliver alcohol to people in NSW on the same day it is ordered. Learn more on the Liquor & Gaming NSW website.
Liquor & Gaming NSW has evaluated the effectiveness of the club industry training framework in improving club industry governance standards.
The evaluation considered whether improvements to the framework are needed, and recommended a series of measures to support the ongoing viability of the club industry.
L&GNSW completed an evaluation on the Club Industry Training Framework.
This mandatory training helps ensure club directors and managers have the governance skills required to make significant business decisions, understand their responsibilities in managing community assets, and understand their transparency and accountability obligations.
The purpose of the evaluation was to determine:
The evaluation interviewed a number of industry stakeholders and received survey responses from club directors and managers. Course materials and data on training completion were examined.
The feedback helped shape the evaluation report and the recommendations that have been made to improve club industry training.
Most stakeholders agree that governance standards in the club industry have improved over recent years.
The evaluation found that:
To work together with club industry bodies to develop measures to overcome the barriers recognised in the evaluation and provide more support to clubs, we will establish a Club Industry Working Group in the second half of 2018.
The Working Group will bring representatives from Liquor & Gaming NSW and club industry bodies together to discuss issues such as:
To improve transparency and accountability, clubs will be required to report on their completion of the training requirements. This requirement will be reflected in amendments to the Registered Clubs Accountability Code. To help clubs report on their training completion, we will provide a template by September 2018 for clubs to use.
L&GNSW conducted a review of the amalgamation and de-amalgamation framework for registered clubs.
This followed a commitment to review the framework by the NSW Government in a 2014 Memorandum of Understanding with ClubsNSW.
The purpose of the review was to consider whether the amalgamation and de-amalgamation process was meeting its objectives, and to identify if there are aspects that could be improved.
Those who may have been interested in sharing their views about this evaluation included:
A discussion paper was developed to inform the public about the evaluation. It included targeted questions to help the public provide useful feedback to assist the review process.
On 6 March 2018, the NSW Government announced reforms going before the NSW Parliament to streamline the operation and regulation of the registered clubs industry.
L&GNSW evaluated the interim restaurant authorisation scheme in November 2017.
The interim restaurant authorisation scheme is a provisional approval system that permits restaurants and cafés to serve liquor once they lodge an application for a liquor licence online, provided they meet certain requirements. Interim restaurant authorisations have been available since 31 January 2017.
This evaluation examined the uptake, efficiency and impacts of interim restaurant authorisations, while identifying any opportunity to improve them.
A discussion paper PDF, 528.67 KB was developed to provide information about the evaluation. It included targeted questions to help stakeholders provide your feedback.
Submissions closed on Monday 27 November 2017.
Confidentiality: This is a public review. Submissions may be published on the L&GNSW website after the closing date, unless a specific request for confidentiality is made - and these will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
More information: If you have any questions about this evaluation, email us: eira.submissions@liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au
In August 2017, the NSW Government released the Casino Modernisation Review and its draft response.
Stakeholders were invited to provide feedback on the Review and response, with submissions closing on Saturday, 16 September. Following the consultation period, the NSW Government reviewed and released its final response in November 2017.
The Casino Modernisation Review supports a more modern casino regulatory regime and recommends:
The Government does not support the recommendation to abolish licensing of casino employees nor the recommendation to allow casinos to run their own problem gambling services.
Reforms to the Casino Control Act 1992 were passed by the NSW Parliament in March 2018.
Changes to the Act gives effect to the Government’s response to a comprehensive review of casino regulation in NSW.
The amendments and other regulatory changes reflect a more risk-based approach that is consistent between venues, The Star and the new Crown Sydney - expected to open in 2021.
Some key changes under the reform:
Read more about the proposed reforms.
Liquor & Gaming NSW has reviewed the Local Impact Assessment (LIA) Scheme under the Gaming Machines Act 2001 (the Act).
The review:
In February 2014 the NSW Government introduced a statewide 10pm restriction on take-away liquor sales. This measure was designed to reduce alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour in the community.
The restriction applied to all liquor stores, hotels, registered clubs and other venues licensed to sell take-away liquor. It applied to take-away liquor sold from a designated area, across the bar and online liquor sales.
A review of the restrictions was conducted in 2015 in two stages, firstly examining the impact in regional NSW and the second stage across the whole of NSW. The second stage of the review was conducted by the Hon. Ian Callinan AC QC as part of an independent review of liquor laws in NSW.
On 8 December 2016, in response to the Independent Liquor Law Review, [LINK to accordion]the NSW Government announced they would extend takeaway and home delivery alcohol sales from 10pm to 11pm across the State, in line with the review. Read more about the decision to extend trading hours. [LINK to new media page]
The first stage review investigated the nature and extent of any positive or negative impacts of the restriction, including financial impacts on venues authorised to sell take-away liquor. It focused on the impacts of the restriction in regional NSW.
In September 2016 an independent statutory review of the 1.30am lockout and 3am last drinks measures was released by the NSW Government. The review also considered the 10pm take away liquor restriction throughout NSW, and the periodic liquor licence fee system.
On 8 December 2016 the Government announced it would maintain the lockout and last drinks laws and implement the key recommendations of the statutory review. In line with the review, the lockout laws were relaxed for live entertainment venues in Sydney's CBD and Kings Cross and takeaway and home delivery sales extended from 10pm to 11pm across the State.
Read the Government's response and subsequent reforms to NSW liquor legislation. [LINK to new media page]
On 30 January 2014 the NSW Parliament passed the Liquor Amendment Act 2014, which introduced a package of reforms to tackle alcohol-related violence. The reforms included 1.30am lock out and 3am cease alcohol sales measures for licensed premises in the Sydney CBD Entertainment and Kings Cross precincts, a state-wide 10pm restriction on take-away liquor sales, and the introduction of a periodic liquor licence fee scheme. The lockout, cessation of sales and restrictions of take-away sales at 10pm took effect on 24 February 2014.
In 2016 the former Deputy Premier, the Hon. Troy Grant MP, appointed the Hon. Ian Callinan AC to review the effectiveness and impact of the liquor reforms. The review was required by legislation and was informed by data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research relating to alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour, as well as information provided by community and business stakeholders.
The Callinan review was also provided with the outcomes from the Safe and Vibrant Sydney Nightlife Roundtable, a forum convened by the Government in the first half of 2016 to examine measures to improve the viability and safety of Sydney's night-time economy.
The final review included more than 1,800 submissions and almost 30 stakeholder sessions, including three roundtables.
In September 2016, the NSW Government released a review on the liquor laws that applied to small bars. The review was required by legislation and invited feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including the liquor industry, local councils, police, business groups and the wider community.
On 8 December 2016 the NSW Government announced changes to the state's liquor laws to create more diverse and vibrant night-time entertainment options. One of these measures is to encourage greater diversity through small bars by increasing the patron capacity from 60 to 100, and providing automatic extended trading to 2am for small bars in the CBD and Kings Cross - subject to council approval. Read more about the changes to small bars.
The small bar liquor licence was introduced on 1 July 2013. Its purpose was to encourage investment in smaller, lower risk licensed premises, provide clarity about what a small bar constitutes, and help reduce alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour that can be associated with some larger venues.
The review examined whether these policy objectives remained valid, and if the features and conditions of the small bar liquor licence remained appropriate for securing these objectives. The review considered the appropriateness of small bar licence requirements, factors affecting the uptake of this licence category, and positive and negative impacts of the small bars legislation.
An Information Paper provides additional background about the review.
Stakeholders were invited to lodge a public submission by Friday 15 July 2016 and complete a survey to give their feedback on the issues being considered by the review.
The Three Strikes Disciplinary Scheme allows for strikes to be incurred by a liquor licence where a licensee or approved manager is convicted of a serious offence under the Liquor Act 2007.
The scheme uses a system of strikes to target licensees or managers who commit specific offences under the Act. The Three Strikes Disciplinary Scheme was reviewed and public submissions closed on 12 January 2016.
Learn more about the review in the key issues paper PDF, 118.19 KB.
On 8 December 2016 the NSW Government announced changes to improve the effectiveness of the Three Strikes Disciplinary Scheme. Read more about the Scheme.
In September 2016 a review of ID scanners in certain Kings Cross venues was released by the Government.
On 8 December 2016 in response to the Independent Liquor Law Review, the NSW Government announced changes to liquor laws, including the retention of mandatory ID scanners in Kings Cross.
In April 2019, ID scanners in Kings Cross were upgraded, so that venues in the Kings Cross ID scanner network can share patron ban information with each other.
This ensures these venues can make informed decisions about who they admit, and prevent known troublemakers from entering their premises.
More information on this upgrade can be found on our website.
Interested stakeholders were invited to lodge a public submission on the impact of ID scanners in certain Kings Cross venues.
We sought feedback on:
In May 2015, an evaluation of the special licence conditions under the Kings Cross Plan of Management was conducted.
Read the summary of the findings PDF, 38.76 KB.
In August 2016, L&GNSW released a discussion paper inviting feedback about a proposed model for community gaming and trade promotions regulation in NSW.
Community gaming refers to lotteries, raffles and games of chance conducted for fundraising purposes, while trade promotions are free-entry and operated by businesses for a promotional purpose.
The review considered whether community gaming and trade promotions activities should continue to be regulated and if so, determine the best approach to do so.
The review did not seek to impose new requirements or reduce the level of protection for players or reduce the integrity or oversight of the sector.
The consultation period for public submissions closed on Friday 26 August 2016.
Next steps
We are preparing legislation to give effect to the findings of the Final Report. Further information on the expected timetable for the legislative process and subsequent implementation will be issued through our website.
Resources
Lotteries and Art Unions Act review report PDF, 808.12 KB
We have evaluated the requirement for some licensed venues to maintain an incident register. In response to the evaluation recommendations, a number of enhancements will be made to the requirement to improve the value of incident registers for businesses and regulators.
Key findings from our evaluation
The evaluation found incident registers:
Read more about our findings and recommendations in our evaluation report. PDF, 312.47 KB
Background
A discussion paper PDF, 381.17 KB was developed to inform stakeholders about the evaluation. It included targeted questions to help stakeholders provide feedback to assist the review process.
Submissions closed on Monday 17 April 2017.
L&GNSW has evaluated the retail alcohol sales reporting requirements for licensed venues in the Kings Cross precinct.
The key outcome from the report is that from 1 September 2018, the requirement for Kings Cross venues to provide retail alcohol sales data to L&GNSW will be removed from the liquor laws.
Given this outcome, venues are not required to provide any alcohol sales data for 2018.
Liquor & Gaming NSW has released the Liquor Promotion Guidelines (the Guidelines) 2019 PDF, 288.36 KB, following a review of the 2013 Guidelines last year.
The purpose of the review was to ensure that the Guidelines remain effective and reflect any new and emerging industry practices.
Licensees should consider the Guidelines when designing and running liquor promotions, to help ensure they are meeting obligations for maintaining responsible attitudes and practices towards promoting alcohol.
Changes to the Guidelines arising from the review include:
During the review, a Discussion Paper PDF, 449.62 KB was released which provided information on the Guidelines and key issues for stakeholder comment to assist in contributing to this review.
Public feedback played an important role in informing this review. We invited public submissions from interested stakeholders with the deadline of 8 August 2018.
Read: Discussion Paper PDF, 449.62 KB
Read: Full copy of the current Guidelines PDF, 288.36 KB
From June to July 2017, we consulted with a wide range of stakeholder to inform an evaluation of the requirement for applicants for certain liquor licences and authorisations to lodge a community impact statement (CIS).
A CIS provides information on the potential impact that granting an application may have on the local community, by requiring an applicant to consult with the local community before deciding to make an application.
A discussion paper with targeted questions was developed to inform the evaluation.
The feedback received will assist us to make recommendations for improvement to the CIS.
The Liquor Regulation 2018 commences on 1 September 2018, and will replace the Liquor Regulation 2008.
The 2018 Regulation is available from the NSW Legislation website.
Before a proposed Regulation can be made, a formal process of review is undertaken in line with the requirements of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989.
A Regulatory Impact Statement was publicly released in late June 2018 with an earlier Consultation Draft of the 2018 Regulation, to explain its effect and related costs and benefits. Submissions were invited on the Consultation Draft.
Read the Consultation Draft Liquor Regulation 2018 PDF, 2550.68 KB.
The Regulatory Impact Statement has been updated following the public consultation process to show what further changes were made in finalising the 2018 Regulation (Appendix 3).
The most significant difference is that the proposed changes to Community Impact Statement (CIS) and advertising requirements for licence applications will be further refined before related amendments are made to the Regulation.
Download the final Regulatory Impact Statement PDF, 894.23 KB.
Publication of submissions will usually include your name and the name of the organisation, if relevant. We will remove contact details such as email addresses, postal addresses and telephone numbers.
At our discretion we may not publish certain submissions (or part of submissions) due to our assessment of length, content, appropriateness, or confidentiality.
Requests for access to submissions can be requested by contacting: policy@liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au
Any requests for access to confidential submissions are dealt with in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.
