Newsletter

Hospitality and Racing April Newsletter 2026

Published:: 20 April 2026
Released by:: Liquor & Gaming NSW

Read the latest updates with key announcements, regulatory updates and information relevant to industry and stakeholders to stay informed.

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Commemorating Anzac Day responsibly

With NSW observing a public holiday on Monday 27 April to commemorate Anzac Day, licensed venues across NSW are encouraged to prepare for a busy long weekend with large crowds expected to gather at pubs and clubs.

Most retail shops will be closed on Anzac Day as required by trading restrictions under the Retail Trading Act 2008. A full list of exemptions and further information is available on the Trading on public holidays in NSW webpage.

Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&SNSW) reminds venues to implement appropriate measures to manage increased patron numbers, including considerations around two-up games, alcohol service and gambling-related risks.

Annual liquor licence fee due now

Annual Liquor Licence Fee (ALLF) notices were sent by email and SMS on Monday 13 April. The due date for payment is 29 May.

If you believe an error has been made in the calculation of your fee, you can apply for a fee reassessment using our fee reassessment application form Applications will close on 27 July.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, you can apply for a fee waiver using our fee waiver application form. Supporting documentation that shows evidence of financial hardship must accompany the application. Applications will close on 22 May.

For details on how the annual fees are calculated, and how to apply for fee reassessments and fee waivers, please watch our short videos. Additional information on the ALLF program is available.

Watch the videos

New Code of Practice for use of facial recognition in hotels and clubs

On 18 March, the Minister for Gaming and Racing gazetted a voluntary Code of Practice for use of Facial Recognition in Hotels and Clubs (PDF 382.83KB) under the Gaming Machines Act 2001.

The Code provides guidance on the appropriate use of facial recognition technology (FRT) to help identify excluded patrons in hotels and clubs with gaming machines. It also highlights important data security and privacy protection standards that venues are expected to meet when operating FRT.

The Code applies to venues that are currently using FRT, as well as those that choose to introduce FRT in the future. While the Code is voluntary, venues are encouraged to follow the Code, which outlines best practice for the use of FRT in venues.

The Code represents an interim step towards the NSW Government’s commitment for mandatory facial recognition to support the NSW Statewide Exclusion Register.

Help make hospitality a safer industry in NSW

Current and former NSW hospitality workers are invited to take part in a strictly confidential survey led by the University of NSW and the University of Melbourne.

The research aims to help create safer workplaces by informing evidence-based strategies and policy recommendations for venue and festival operators, employers and government.

Participants can go into the draw to win one of eight $250 gift vouchers.

Take the survey

A screenshot of the new GambleAware Parents Campaign

This month, the Office of Responsible Gambling re-launched the GambleAware Parents campaign, with a renewed focus on connecting with male caregivers.

The campaign teams up with influencer, Luke Bateman, and highlights the important role parents play in shaping their children’s attitudes towards gambling.

Keep an eye out for the campaign on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.

For practical tips on how to protect young people from gambling harm, visit the GambleAware website

Save the date: GambleAware Week 2026

GambleAware Week will be held from 19-25 October.

Each year, GambleAware providers, community organisations and industry partners from across NSW come together to raise awareness about gambling harm.

Planning for 2026 is now underway, making this the perfect time to mark your calendars and consider how you can get involved. Stay updated by visiting the GambleAware website for campaign news and resources.

Evaluation of the implementation of the 2024 Gaming Reforms

An evaluation of the implementation of the gaming reforms introduced in clubs and hotels between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 is underway.

These reforms include the introduction of:

Responsible Gambling Officers, gambling incident registers, Gaming Plans of Management, and Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling training
directional signage and visibility requirements for cash dispensing facilities, gaming machines and gaming areas.

Ipsos Public Affairs, in partnership with CQUniversity, is leading the evaluation. A sample of industry and community stakeholders will be consulted in April - May 2026.

Feedback will help us evaluate the implementation of these reforms in supporting a culture of gambling harm minimisation.

If you have any questions, please email our Customer Experience Team

Racing for the Regions

On 7 April, the Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, officially opened world-class facilities at Scone Race Club funded through the Racing for the Regions program.

A total of $20 million was allocated to the project under the program to install a state-of-the-art Polytrack training track, new stables and enhanced supporting infrastructure to put Scone on the international racing map.

The funding is part of the NSW Government $67 million Racing for the Regions program.

Racing for the Regions projects in the Hunter region include a grandstand and multi-purpose function centre upgrade, as well as enhanced female jockey facilities at Muswellbrook and a new sand-based training track and stables at Cessnock.

Find out more about the program

Major upgrades to boost local attraction to Tumbarumba region

Major upgrades to the Tumbarumba Equine Club have been completed following $800,000 funding from the Australian Government through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Program.

The ClubGRANTS Category 3 Disaster Readiness Infrastructure funding provided an additional $200,000 for upgrades to stockholding yards.

The improvements are expected to broaden opportunities to attract new members and host festivals and events which will significantly boost local economic growth.

Live music revival

The NSW live music scene is experiencing a surge in venues offering live music and accessing vibrancy incentives including extended trading.

A record 564 venues are accessing live music incentives as part of the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms, making it easier for venues to add live music and performance to their offering.

Learn more about the revival

ILGA updated guidelines

The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA/the Authority) has updated ILGA Guideline 7 – Authority’s decision-making and reasons for decisions – to reflect current practice and recommendations of the June 2025 NSW Auditor-General's Report, Regulation of gaming machines

ILGA accepted the NSW Audit Office’s recommendations and is committed to ensuring decisions are clearly and promptly communicated, generally publishing statements of reasons for decisions within 30 days. In addition, ILGA has already implemented the recommendation to publish statements of reasons for all refused gaming machine applications.

Read the guidelines

Licensees at leased Federal airports

From 1 April, the regulation of the sale and supply of liquor at Sydney, Western Sydney International, Bankstown and Camden Airports transitioned from the Commonwealth to the NSW Government.

Legislative changes were made to facilitate the transition and ensure minimal disruptions to airport operations. The changes also support the 24/7 operations of the new Western Sydney International Airport.

Businesses that transitioned to the NSW regulatory framework are being issued an equivalent NSW liquor licence. New businesses that want to sell and supply alcohol at these airports, must apply to L&GNSW for a liquor licence.

More information is available on the Transition of liquor regulation at NSW Airports webpage.

Food Waste Sustainability training

Launched on 31 March, Tafe NSW is offering a new Food Waste Sustainability Microskill course.

The free training is available until 11 May and is open to anyone working in the NSW hospitality industry.

The course covers practical ways to reduce, manage and recycle food waste, and supports venues to meet the NSW Government's new food waste recycling requirements. It is funded through an Environment Protection Authority grant.