With the festive season in full swing, Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) is reminding venues to follow the rules to ensure a smooth and successful summer.

Inspectors will visit hotels, clubs, bars, party boats, bottle shops, and other licensed venues throughout the holiday period to monitor adherence to regulations designed to minimise risks and protect patrons.

L&GNSW A/Executive Director Regulatory Operations Dimitri Argeres says it is important licensed venues maintain responsible practices during the festive season.

“We want venues and patrons to enjoy a fun and safe summer and festive season and having established good practices is key to achieving that,” Mr Argeres said.

“Complying with the rules and having policies and procedures in place not only safeguards businesses but also ensures the wellbeing and safety of patrons.” 

Mr Argeres highlighted the need for proper training of seasonal and contract workers who are often hired to manage increased demand during the holidays.

“With many venues bringing on extra casual staff, it’s critical that all team members are fully trained, hold up-to-date Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificates, and are clear on their responsibilities,” he said.

Mr Argeres also reminded operators of the significant penalties for permitting minors to access alcohol, stressing the importance of strict ID checks on any patron who looks 25 years or under, or at the time of delivery for any purchase involving the same day or express delivery of liquor.

“As the year winds down, we typically see an increase in young people celebrating at licensed venues. It’s vital that operators, from cafés and restaurants to clubs and hotels, take responsibility to prevent intoxication and ensure alcohol isn’t sold or supplied to anyone under 18,” he said.

“Significant penalties, including terms of imprisonment, apply to anyone selling or supplying alcohol to minors in NSW.” 

From 1 January 2025, venues must also adopt the updated Liquor Incident Register. L&GNSW will begin compliance checks early in the new year to ensure the new requirements are being met.

Goulburn Valley Hotel (GVH) Shepparton Pty Ltd has been issued a $100,000 fine for providing false information to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).

In November 2022, GVH applied for a licence to operate 40 poker machines at the Shepparton hotel but did not disclose that the licence nominee had been found guilty of 2 counts of negligently dealing with the proceeds of crime, without conviction, in June 2022.

VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM said it is a requirement under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic) that criminal offending is disclosed as part of the licence application process.

“By providing wrong information, an applicant impedes the regulator from fully assessing their suitability to hold a licence,” she said.

“We expect applicants to abide by the law and provide complete and accurate information. This is a critical part of ensuring that the gambling industry operates with safety and integrity and is free from criminal influence or exploitation.”

Ms Kimmitt said GVH’s cooperation with the investigation was taken into account in determining the fine.

“The $100,000 fine reflects the severity of the offence and should demonstrate to other applicants and operators that we’re serious about compliance with legal obligations.”

Additional licence and reporting conditions have been applied to GVH and another venue operator licence associated with the nominee, Pan Hotels Pty Ltd.

Aristocrat Leisure Limited announced that Natasha Chand has been nominated as a Non-Executive Director of the Company, subject to the receipt of all relevant regulatory pre-approvals.

Ms Chand is based in the US and is a seasoned business and technology executive with over 25 years’ experience building and leading consumer brands globally. Ms Chand has held executive and advisory roles in strategy, business transformation, digital marketing and supply chain optimisation for companies including Levi Strauss, Target Australia, Amazon and McKinsey & Company. Ms Chand currently serves as a Non-Executive Director on the board of the NYSE-listed Hanesbrands Inc and is an advisor to early-stage and Fortune 500 companies, among other appointments.

Ms Chand holds an MBA from Stanford University and a degree in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario, both with honours.

Aristocrat Chairman, Mr Neil Chatfield, said: “I am delighted to welcome a colleague of Natasha’s calibre and experience to the Board. Natasha’s skills and global perspectives across areas including omni-channel and consumer strategy, digital technology and business transformation are highly relevant, in particular as Aristocrat deepens its presence in online RMG markets and executes its ambitious growth strategy. I look forward to Natasha’s contribution to our continued success.”

Ms Chand will stand for election as a Non-Executive Director at Aristocrat’s next Annual General Meeting.