Hospitality and Racing Newsletter June 2026
Read the latest updates with key announcements, regulatory updates and information relevant to industry and stakeholders to stay informed.
Stay open for action – extended trading for venues during the FIFA World Cup
The Minister for Gaming and Racing has approved selected 2026 FIFA World Cup matches as special events under Special Event Extended Trading.
The approved extended trading periods cover Australia’s group stage matches, knockout matches, quarter finals, semi-final, the bronze final and the World Cup final.
Statewide extended trading applies to hotels, clubs, general bars and small bars that provide a live broadcast of the relevant match during the extended trading period.
Extended trading also applies to eligible licensed venues in certain suburbs of the Sydney CBD from 10pm to 1am on nights where matches are shown at the Tumbalong Park live site.
To view the list of matches eligible for extended trading, as well as all special events for 2026, visit the special event extended trading webpage.
Don’t delay, your annual liquor licence fees are overdue
Annual Liquor Licence Fee (ALLF) notices were sent to all licensees by email and SMS on 13 April 2026 and the due date for payment was 29 May 2026.
Overdue fee notices must be paid by 26 June 2026, or your licence will be suspended, and a late payment fee will be applied.
Surcharge free payment can be made online, by phone or in person using the details provided on the ALLF fee notice.
Copies of fee notices can be requested by contacting SNSW on 1300 024 720.
Additional information on the ALLF program is available on the annual liquor licence fees for 2026 webpage.
NSW Government boosts services and peer support to combat gambling harm
A boost to annual funding for GambleAware by $1.3 million will benefit people experiencing gambling harm by providing greater access to peer support workers and result in services in more locations across NSW.
The additional funding will enable the number of service locations across the state to increase from 34 to 49, and for five more peer support workers to be employed.
Information about GambleAware services, plus resources and support information are available on the GambleAware website.
More opportunities - ClubGRANTS Category 2 extended to include Statewide Services
The ClubGRANTS Guidelines have been updated to allow clubs to apply a portion of Category 2 funds to organisations that deliver services Statewide, subject to several criteria.
The new Guidelines are now in effect, with all funding paid from 1 September 2025 (the current gaming machine tax year) eligible to be claimed in the 2025/26 ClubGRANTS Returns.
Further information on the updated guidelines is available on the ClubGRANTS resources webpage.
ClubGRANTS engagement across regions
Throughout June, L&GNSW has delivered a number of in-person ClubGRANTS information sessions across NSW to help clubs and local committees better understand the scheme.
The sessions offered practical tips, clear guidance, and opportunities to speak directly with the audit team. Key topics included eligibility, funding assessment, and decision-making with a focus on improving applications and processes.
Strong attendance and engagement showed the ongoing commitment of clubs and committees to achieving positive community outcomes.
Public Lotteries Regulation Remake
L&GNSW will soon be commencing public consultation on the Public Lotteries Regulation 2016 (Lotteries Regulation), which is scheduled to be repealed on 1 September 2026.
The Lotteries Regulation supports the operation of the Public Lotteries Act 1996 to ensure that public lotteries are conducted properly and in line with community interests and expectations.
L&GNSW proposes to remake the Lotteries Regulation. It will primarily carry over existing provisions with some minor updates and amendments to modernise and improve the regulatory framework, where possible.
Keep an eye out on the L&GNSW and Have Your Say website over the coming weeks for when the consultation goes live.
For further information contact the L&GNSW Wagering and Lotteries Policy team.
Hospitality Concierge visits Riverina region
The Regulatory Roadshow visited Griffith in June, giving the local industry an opportunity to hear directly from our leaders, ask questions, stay informed about regulatory priorities, and connect with peers across the sector.
Following the roadshow, L&GNSW’s Hospitality Concierge continued its outreach program across the Riverina, visiting Griffith, Temora, Harden, Illabo, Junee and Coolamon to engage with local licensees, Liquor Accords and Licensing Police.
The program continues to create valuable opportunities for regional venues to engage directly with L&GNSW.
Contact the Hospitality Concierge for more information.
Watch out for the announcement of the Canterbury Bankstown roadshow.
The Star Sydney $10 million in fines and enforceable undertaking
The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has issued The Star Sydney a total of $10 million in fines along with an enforceable undertaking to set a further $5 million aside to strengthen the technology surrounding its financial crime risk management operations.
It follows a 2025 L&GNSW investigation into thousands of breaches at The Star which were outlined in four separate disciplinary matters.
NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford said that while the breaches of the
Casino Control Act 1992 were concerning, many had occurred before more systematic remediation processes had been implemented including technology upgrades such as carded play.
Tell us about your Vibrancy Reforms experience
Between 2023-2025, the NSW Government introduced significant changes through the Vibrancy Reforms to amend the liquor licensing framework to support the night-time economy.
These reforms included simplifying entertainment sound regulation, enabling outdoor activation for dining and events and introducing other measures to support and grow the sector.
We are inviting all licensed venue operators to share their experiences of the Vibrancy Reforms and how they have impacted their business. Their feedback is important and will help us evaluate the reforms and inform how we continue to support a vibrant night-time economy across NSW.
The survey closes on 30 June 2026.
This is the second of three planned annual venue surveys relating to the vibrancy reforms.
Read the summary of the findings from the first survey.
New requirements for seafood labelling in hospitality
Do you serve seafood at your venue? It is now a requirement that you display where the seafood is sourced.
Use the AIM system on your menu:
A – Australian
I – Imported
M – Mixed (a mix of Australian and imported)
Clear labels help customers make informed choices.
Hospitality businesses can start applying the new labelling system to seafood dishes immediately. Changes will become mandatory on 1 July 2026 and penalties will apply.
Get ready now, read more about Seafood labelling in NSW.
Stay connected
In case you missed it!
Upcoming events
- New licensees webinar – 23 June 2026
- Understanding Approved Training Provider trainer applications - 15 July 2026
- New licensees webinar – 25 August 2026
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