What is the role of a Liquor & Gaming NSW inspector?
Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) inspectors undertake inspections, investigations, compliance monitoring activities and audits across NSW. Our inspectors work with industry to ensure compliance under the following legislation:
- Liquor Act 2007
- Gaming Machines Act 2001
- Registered Clubs Act 1976
- Totalizator Act 1997
- Betting and Racing Act 1998
- Gaming and Liquor Administration Act 2007
- Public Lotteries Act 1996
- Casino Control Act 1992
L&GNSW works with NSW Police to enforce liquor and gambling laws and inspectors may conduct joint operations or investigations with NSW Police and other law enforcement or regulatory agencies.
What powers do L&GNSW inspectors have?
All staff within L&GNSW who undertake inspections, investigations or audit work are appointed under section 20 of the Gaming and Liquor Administration Act 2007 (the GALA Act). This means they can exercise a broad range of statutory powers, including:
- having unrestricted access to any premises other than residential premises
- compelling persons to answer questions
- taking photos and videos
- issuing formal demands for information or records, and
- seizing items for use as evidence.
What happens when an L&GNSW inspector visits a licensed premises?
L&GNSW inspectors may visit a licensed premises as part of a specific, targeted program, in response to a complaint or incident on site, or as a result of intel or field-based observations.
The role of an Inspector is varied and may include proactively engaging with industry, providing face-to-face education and support, and also conducting compliance campaigns and investigations.
Under the GALA Act, inspector have a range of powers including:
- entering any premises without a search warrant, other than a residential premises
- issuing formal demands for information or records and seizing items for use as evidence
- issuing statutory directions, including directions issued ‘on the spot’, which must be complied with.
Where an offence or breach is identified, inspectors have the power to:
- issue official cautions or penalty infringement notices
- take prosecution action
- refer a matter for disciplinary complaint action.
For more information on how we approach investigations and enforcement action, including the principles that inform our decision-making, please see our Compliance & Enforcement Policy.
Conduct of inspectors
All L&GNSW inspectors carry identification in the form of a badge and identity card.
Inspectors will conduct themselves in a professional manner, in accordance with NSW public sector values. This includes:
- treating people with respect, dignity, and sensitivity in all circumstances
- interacting with people in a timely and efficient manner
- remaining professional and consistent in all of their dealings
- undertaking activities without favouritism or discrimination
- explaining decisions and actions.
If you have any concerns about the conduct of an inspector, please contact us by completing this complaint form.
What is expected of the licensee/venue manager and venue staff?
Our inspectors aim to cause as little disruption as possible. To assist with the inspection or investigation process, we expect you to:
- be honest, courteous and provide information as requested
- provide necessary and timely access to the licensed premises
- provide reasonable assistance to the inspector in their work
- not conceal the existence of a location, person, substance or thing.
Please be aware that it is an offence to hinder, obstruct, assault, threaten, intimidate or refuse access to an inspector. L&GNSW takes a zero-tolerance approach to this behaviour and will prosecute offences where they occur.
The following legislation supports the role of our inspectors and highlights offences within the GALA Act:
- It is a criminal offence to refuse or fail to comply with any requirements made by an L&GNSW Inspector under Section 34(1) of the GALA Act.
- Under Section 34(2) of the GALA Act, it is also an offence to provide false or misleading information to an Inspector.
Contact us for more information
For more information about L&GNSW inspections, email contact.us@liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au