Hospitality and Racing Newsletter May 2026
Read the latest updates with key announcements, regulatory updates and information relevant to industry and stakeholders to stay informed.
Inspectors visit more than 300 venues to reduce gambling harm
Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) Inspectors visited more than 300 venues in the Sydney metropolitan area during the past 2 months to ensure compliance with recent gaming reforms and to assess the capability of gaming staff in identifying and responding to indicators of gaming harm.
Inspectors spoke directly with over 480 staff working in gaming machine areas to evaluate their understanding of key gambling harm minimisation responsibilities and reinforce how these obligations help keep patrons safe.
Read more about the inspections
Supporting safer drinking: New alcohol harm reduction webpage
Destination NSW
In conjunction with NSW Health, we’ve published a new webpage to provide the community with information about alcohol‑related harm reduction and liquor self‑exclusion. The page brings together practical support options, NSW Health resources, and clear information to help people access support when they need it.
The webpage also features the self-exclusion processes for liquor venues and online alcohol delivery services.
Creating a Safe Space for partygoers - new case study published
We have recently published a video case study which highlights practical steps taken by a nightclub in Darlinghurst, Sydney, to create safer spaces for patrons and staff.
Club 77 introduced ‘Safe Spaces’ and a designated Safety Officer role to support a zero-harm approach to patron safety. The venue developed the proactive safety initiative focused on prevention, visibility and consistent staff training.
Note: At the time of publication, Club 77 is currently closed for renovations.
From Risk to Respect: Free workshops to support safer workplaces
SafeWork NSW is offering free, in‑person From Risk to Respect workshops to help businesses prevent workplace sexual harassment and build safer, more respectful workplaces. Designed for business owners and leaders, these one‑day sessions focus on practical, real‑world strategies - going beyond policy to address the underlying drivers of harmful behaviour and strengthen workplace culture.
Participants will learn how to identify and manage risks using a work health and safety approach, understand their legal obligations, and take practical steps to improve safety and accountability in their workplace. Workshops are being delivered across metropolitan and regional NSW, making it easier for businesses to access this support and take meaningful action.
For a list of upcoming dates and locations visit the SafeWork website.
CBD to light up for Vivid Sydney 2026
Destination NSW
The hospitality industry will light up for the Vivid Sydney 2026 festival between 22 May to 13 June. The NSW Government has unveiled the biggest festival yet with a refreshed 23-day program.
Vivid Sydney plays a vital role in supporting eligible hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, breweries and live music and performance venues in key precincts around the CBD. As a Special Event, Vivid will further activate the Sydney CBD through extended trading hours in key suburbs every weekend of the festival.
For the first time, Vivid Sydney will come to life both night and day, transforming the city through art installations, talks, performances and events that redefine how visitors and locals experience the festival.
Visit our special events extended trading hours webpage for more information.
Find out more about Vivid Sydney 2026
Griffith gears up for Regulatory Roadshow
Hospitality and Racing will host our next Regulatory Roadshow in Griffith on 2 June, continuing our focus on engaging directly with community, industry and government partners. The event will outline reforms and key regulatory priorities for the year ahead, giving licensees and venue operators a clear understanding of incentives, upcoming focus areas and expectations.
The roadshow also offers a valuable opportunity for industry to connect directly with our senior leadership team, ask questions and share feedback. Regional events like this play an important role in shaping our work, helping ensure our approach is informed by local insights and remains practical and relevant across NSW.
Date: Tuesday 2 June
Time: 9.30am to 12.30pm (registration from 9.00am)
Location: Quest Griffith, 59–63 Railway St, Griffith
Tell us about your Vibrancy Reforms experience
In 2023, 2024 and 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 will soon invite 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.
A link to the online survey will be sent to all licensed venue operators soon.
This is the second of three planned annual venue surveys.
Share your experiences to help improve accessibility and inclusion
The Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS) is creating new Disability Inclusion and Multicultural Plans to make NSW’s creative, tourism and hospitality sectors more accessible and inclusive.
We invite workers, businesses and patrons to complete a short anonymous survey about your experiences. Your feedback will help improve how we design programs, processes and communications.
Have your say by Friday 22 May 2026.
Stay connected
In case you missed it!
- City and bush receive $6.4m in community grants program
- Hospitality Concierge offers helping hand to Northern Rivers licensed businesses
- Expectations and support services for NSW airport liquor licensees webinar
Upcoming events
- Webinar – NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) – 26 May 2026
- Regulatory Roadshow, Griffith – 2 June 2026
- New licensees webinar – 23 June 2026
- New licensees webinar – 25 August 2026
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