Feedback from the community and stakeholders plays an important role in helping us form plans, regulation and legislation.
View past community consultations:
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 525.6 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 372.9 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 525.6 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.
Crown (PDF 439.3 KB)The Star (PDF 323.1 KB)
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.
This was a public review. Unless there was a request for a submission to be kept confidential, submissions have been published on our website:
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 528.7 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:
Stakeholders were invited to lodge a public submission to have their say on the issues being considered as part of this review.
Public submissions closed on 8 June 2017.
View the submissions.
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.
View all non-confidential submissions received by the Liquor Law Review.
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 118.2 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 38.8 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 808.1 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.
Background
A discussion paper (PDF 381.2 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.
Submissions received
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 264.1 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 449.6 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 449.6 KB)
Read: Full copy of the current Guidelines (PDF 264.1 KB)
All submissions received during the review, except where anonymity has been requested, are published here:
Alcohol Beverages Australia (PDF 238.8 KB)Australian Hotels Association NSW (PDF 1.4 MB)Australian Medical Association NSW (PDF 687.2 KB)Brown, Tony (PDF 666.0 KB)Cancer Council NSW (PDF 424.5 KB)ClubsNSW (PDF 370.0 KB) Curtin University – McCusker Centre (PDF 5.1 MB)Liquor Stores Association NSW (PDF 388.8 KB)Northern Sydney Local Health District (PDF 331.5 KB)NSW/ACT Alcohol Policy Alliance (PDF 1018.2 KB)NSW Ministry of Health (PDF 395.3 KB) Robertson, Bill (PDF 18.7 KB)Royal Australasian College of Physicians (PDF 105.1 KB) Zahid, Samir (PDF 14.0 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.
All submissions received, where anonymity has not been requested, can be found below.
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 2.5 MB).
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 894.2 KB).
All submissions received can be found below.
