Liquor & Gaming NSW spread news to boost South Coast hospitality businesses
Staff from Liquor & Gaming NSW have met with licensed businesses on the South Coast as part of its regional engagement strategy to support a vibrant, safe and responsible hospitality sector.
The five-day visit enabled people operating licensed businesses such as pubs, clubs and bars in the Eurobodalla and Shoalhaven regions to meet directly with staff from L&GNSW, hear about the NSW Government’s regulatory reforms and the Hospitality Concierge support service and provide important feedback.
The Hospitality Concierge is a free one-stop shop for hospitality businesses to receive personalised assistance to access government initiatives and support business growth.
Liquor & Gaming NSW Director Regulatory Excellence Melanie Brown said the outreach visits undertaken by the Hospitality Concierge began earlier this year to ensure businesses outside regional centres were kept informed and could take advantage of the changes under the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms.
“The Hospitality Concierge started its regional engagement program in Southern NSW in May, followed by the Northern Tablelands in September and our last visit for the year was on the South Coast in November,” Ms Brown said.
“This initiative has enabled us to reach more than 100 venue operators in regional areas across NSW through face-to-face meetings and we have received positive feedback from those we spoke to.
“The South Coast visit included discussions with stakeholders at Moruya Golf Club and Club Jervis Bay facilitated by the local Liquor Accords, meetings with local councils and visits to venues to see operations firsthand.
“The team provided updates on a range of liquor and gaming topics, discussed our priorities and offered support with issues such as licensing and compliance and how the Hospitality Concierge can help get the most out of their business.
“The third round of Vibrancy Reforms were also explained, which include a streamlined process for removing outdated liquor licence conditions, mechanisms for improving patron and staff safety, as well as changes to increase operating and trading hour flexibility.
“They also outlined incentives for hosting live music, such as extended trading hours and discounted liquor licence fees, and an easier application process to host outdoor dining.”
Ms Brown said the recent Productivity and Equality Commission Report into regulatory barriers impeding NSW’s night-time economy was complimentary of the Hospitality Concierge and recommended improving awareness of its services through proactive outreach, which will continue in the New Year.
To find out more about the Hospitality Concierge, go to: Contact the Hospitality Concierge | NSW Government
To find out more about the Vibrancy Reforms, go to: Key changes under the Vibrancy Reforms | NSW Government