Liquor Reform
What are Vibrancy Reforms?
The Vibrancy Reforms are a cross-government initiative developed in consultation with key government agencies, industry, councils and stakeholders to improve the night-time economy through both legislative and policy reforms.
The Vibrancy Reforms have introduced changes to support a thriving night-time economy and cultural sector. These reforms began in December 2023 and continued through 2024.
Key changes have been designed to:
- Help music and performance venues to thrive.
- Support significant events.
- Create vibrant precincts and make it easier to do business outdoors.
- Modernise licensing with common-sense approach to risk.
See the Vibrancy Reforms page for more information on the recent changes.
Reforms in Progress
- The Registered Clubs Regulation 2015 was remade. The Registered Clubs Regulation 2025 came in effect on 1 September 2025.
- The Gaming Machine National Standard (PDF 831.33KB) has been amended. Version GMNS 12.1 includes a range of consumer protection and harm minimisation reforms. This will come into effect in NSW on 12 March 2026.
- NSW Government is considering proposals to address the recommendations from the Review of the Alcohol Delivery Reforms Stage 2, following feedback from community and industry stakeholders. The response aims to make improvements to the same day alcohol delivery framework to ensure it remains fit for purpose, streamline industry regulation, and reduces risks of alcohol-related harm.
Stay up to date on our What's new pages.
Gaming Reform
The NSW Government continues to implement gaming reforms aimed at reducing gambling harm, preventing money laundering, and improving industry accountability.
Recent Requirements (from 1 July 2024)
- Responsible Gambling Officers (RGOs) are now mandatory in venues with more than 20 gaming machine entitlements.
- Venues must maintain a Gambling Incident Register, either in bound book format or digitally.
- All venues must have a completed Gaming Plan of Management (GPOM). Approval by ILGA or L&GNSW is no longer required. See Gaming Plan of Management information and template.
- Internal signage and ATM placement rules are now in effect. ATMs must be located at least 5 metres from gaming areas and not visible from gaming machines. Read signage and ATM location requirements.
- New Responsible Conduct of Gambling training requirements are in place. See Courses for people working with gaming machines.
- Club Director Training requirements mandate directors of venues with gaming machines to complete either Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) and Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling (ARCG) or Responsible Gambling Board Oversight (RGBO) training by June 30 2025.
Webinars were held in mid-2024 to support industry understanding of these changes. Recordings remain available for reference. See webinars
Reforms in Progress
- The Independent Panel on Gaming Reform delivered the Roadmap for Gaming Reform, which outlines future directions for gaming reforms.
- A proposed third-party exclusion scheme, was recently under consultation, allowing family members, friends and venues to apply to exclude individuals experiencing gambling harm.
- The use of facial recognition technology to aid in the implementation of a statewide exclusion register and third-party exclusion scheme, was also under consultation in early 2025.
- Development of a statewide exclusion register is ongoing.
Stay up to date on our What's new pages. Also see our Gaming pages.