Visit the L&GNSW Public Holiday Trading webpage for an overview of the restrictions in this period, what those restrictions mean for your venue, and how to make sure you comply with the law.

More Vibrancy Reforms commenced

A further suite of Vibrancy Reforms commenced on 24 November 2025.

These reforms build on earlier changes introduced in 2024 and 2023 and have been introduced to support a thriving night‑time economy and the associated music and cultural sectors.

To help you understand the changes focused on improving patron and staff safety, L&GNSW has prepared a high-level overview of these reforms.

Watch the recording

We will also be hosting a live webinar in February 2026, featuring a Q&A session.

See more details on this and other key changes.

Same day alcohol delivery compliance operation

L&GNSW is putting Same Day Alcohol Deliveries (SDAD) on notice, checking providers are abiding by the law as the summer festive season begins to ramp up.

Inspectors are out and about, conducting covert compliance audits across the state that involve L&GNSW ordering alcohol deliveries to certain locations or public places, testing:

whether delivery staff check ID at the point of delivery,
whether delivery staff have the required Responsible Supply of Alcohol training,
whether self-excluded people can successfully order alcohol, and
whether alcohol is being provided in alcohol-free zones and alcohol prohibited areas.

Repeal of electronic gaming machine (EGM) shutdown hours

The Minister for Gaming and Racing recently announced a review of exemptions to the standard 4am to 10am gaming machine shutdown period. The 6-hour shutdown is an important harm minimisation measure.

More than 670 registered clubs and hotels in NSW have varied gaming machine operating hours, many of which have been in place for over 20 years.

L&GNSW, acting on behalf of the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA), has commenced a review of all approved variations to the mandatory shutdown to determine whether they should be revoked on a case-by-case basis.

In addition, guidelines for weekend and also hardship variations have been updated, reflecting new requirements.

Results of the Drake Inquiry

The NSW Government has released the Report from the Inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW together with its response to the Report.

The Inquiry was conducted under Part 8 of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 by the Hon Lea Drake as Acting Commissioner of the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission.

The NSW Government’s response includes a range of measures and actions aimed at strengthening the governance, integrity and animal welfare standards of the NSW greyhound racing industry.

Read about the Drake Inquiry

Wrapping Up the 2025 Regulatory Roadshow and Community Engagement Program

people in a hall listening to a speaker.

We’ve wrapped up the 2025 Regulatory Roadshow and community engagement program, finishing in Bega with nearly 50 local businesses at the final event.

This year marked the program’s third year, with visits to Broken Hill, Albury, Central Coast, Ballina/Byron, and Bega. Across these locations, we welcomed almost 300 attendees, bringing total participation to over 1,057 people across 15 locations since the program began.

Our commitment to engagement included more than 100 interactions with community groups, councils, Aboriginal organisations, NSW Police, and NSW Health.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value of these sessions.

The roadshow will return in 2026, visit our events page early next year for details.

New ILGA disciplinary complaints guideline published

The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) publishes guidelines on its website to inform and provide guidance to stakeholders about ILGA’s processes and factors ILGA considers when making decisions.

ILGA has consolidated its three previous disciplinary complaints guidelines into a new, simplified “ILGA Guideline 5 – Disciplinary Complaints”, to give complainants and respondents a better understanding of how ILGA deals with disciplinary complaints.

NICC issues approvals for Bally’s Corporation to take next step as substantial shareholder of The Star

The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has provided the necessary approvals for Bally’s Corporation (Bally’s) to become a substantial shareholder of The Star Entertainment Group.

Bally’s, and its related entities and key individuals associated with this transaction, have cleared a comprehensive probity investigation, conducted by the NICC and L&GNSW, which has assessed a range of both financial and non-financial factors related to the company’s suitability and the suitability of key individuals involved in Bally’s.

The NICC has also approved the increased shareholding of Bally’s as a ‘major change’ in the state of affairs of the casino operator of The Star Sydney.

Learn more about the NIC approvals

NICC Chief Commissioner joins board of international gaming regulators

A photo of Philip Crawford, NICC Chief Commissioner

NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR).

The appointment was announced following the IAGR 2025 conference in Toronto, Canada where the NICC was honoured with a prestigious award for Regulatory Excellence.

IAGR is the leading international body for gaming and gambling regulators, representing a considerable number of nations and jurisdictions from across the globe.

Mr Crawford’s term commenced in November and will continue until the IAGR Annual General Meeting in 2028.

Venue Upgrade Grants now open

Live music venues across NSW can now apply for the next round of Sound NSW’s Venue Upgrade Grants, offering financial and practical support to improve audience experiences and boost live music programming.

Advice & Planning: Up to $20,000 available to engage consultants and experts for planning, legal, licensing or energy efficiency advice.

Infrastructure & Equipment: Up to $150,000 to support infrastructure works and production equipment.

Advanced Screen and Lighting Technology: Funding of up to $200,000 for venues under 1,000 capacity and funding of up to $500,000 for venues over 1,000 capacity, will provide venues the means to invest in advanced screen and lighting technology helping to enhance audience experience.

Learn more about eligibility and how to apply

Local Audience Development Grants now open

A group of people in a room enjoying live entertainment.

Sound NSW has launched a new funding program designed to strengthen the state’s grassroots music ecosystem and boost local audience engagement.

Funding is available across two streams:

Promoting NSW Music – grants of up to $200,000 for major technology projects, digital content initiatives, online collaboration tools and marketing campaigns that build audiences, drive discovery and support local music communities.

Live Music Events and All-Ages Programming – grants of up to $100,000 for all-ages events, local live music events and activities that connect artists with businesses and venues while nurturing emerging music scenes.

Find out more about the Grants

Separating food waste: check when you need to start

New laws will soon make it compulsory for businesses and institutions that sell or handle food to separate food waste from general waste so it can be recycled.

These laws will be introduced in phases from 1 July 2026, with your start date dependent on how much general waste your business has each week.

Use this calculator to find out when you need to comply.

Get your business ready

Hospitality and Racing festive season trading hours

Christmas tree in Sydney with buildings in the background

In line with NSW Government policy, Hospitality and Racing will be closed from Thursday 25 December 2025 to Friday 9 January 2026, inclusive.

Our normal compliance activity will continue during this time. Our licensing and customer enquiry functions will operate at a reduced capacity during business hours and will be closed for public holidays and Monday 29 December 2025.

We look forward to working together to further strengthen the NSW hospitality and racing sectors in the new year. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy festive season.

Hospitality and Racing December Newsletter 2025

Industry trading hours during the festive season