Latest Industry Updates

Drinks Legislation

Doctors campaign to raise Australia’s legal drinking age to 21

Doctors campaign to raise Australia

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) has called for the legal drinking age in Australia to rise to 21.   The suggestion has come as the Northern Territory government ponders its Alcohol Policies and Legislation Review.   There have been 74 submissions to the review from health, legal, community, Indigenous groups, as well as the hotel and alcohol industries. …

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Lockout laws relaxed for more Sydney venues

Lockout laws relaxed for more Sydney venues

Lockout laws have been relaxed for seven more Sydney clubs and pubs by the NSW Government.  The venues given later entry and drinks service are: Potts Point Hotel (formerly Sugar Mill), Kings Cross Hotel, Establishment, Slip Inn, Burdekin Hotel, ARQ Sydney, The Cliff Dive and Kinselas. They will now be able to keep their doors open until 2am instead of 1:30am and serve alcohol until 3:30am instead of 3…

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More Sydney Venues Gain Trading Hour Extensions

More Sydney Venues Gain Trading Hour Extensions

The Brighton Hotel on Oxford Street is the latest live entertainment venue in the Sydney CBD to gain extended trading hours as part of the New South Wales Government’s plan to relax lockouts and last drinks restrictions.   The venue is the eleventh to have been approved to serve drinks until 3.30am since former NSW Premier Mike Baird announced the legislative changes in December 2016.   …

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Red Tape Update: Senate Committee Recommends Singular Volumetric Tax Across all Alcohol

Red Tape Update: Senate Committee Recommends Singular Volumetric Tax Across all Alcohol

The Senate Committee has released the interim report on the effect of red tape on the sale, supply and taxation of alcohol and its recommendations for alcohol tax reform. The report comes after an  inquiry  was instigated and chaired by Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonhjelm. The Committee made the following recommendations to the Federal Government: • Introduction of singular volumetric tax…

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New Minister Outlines NSW Government’s Plans for Pubs and Clubs

New Minister Outlines NSW Government

Recently appointed NSW Minister for Racing and Minister for Lands and Forestry, Paul Toole, has outlined the Berejiklian Government’s vision for pubs, clubs and bars across the state. Gladys Berejiklian was sworn in as Premier of New South Wales following Mike Baird’s resignation. Under the Berejiklian Government, Toole has been tasked with overseeing the liquor reforms that were ann…

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Handling Complaints and Reviews

Handling Complaints and Reviews

By Walter MacCallum, a Director with Aitken Lawyers Business reviews for products or services are one of the most powerful marketing tools available, no question. If you’re going to buy something or go somewhere, the most reliable indicator of value for money is the opinion of someone you trust who’s been there before, or, as a next best option, the opinion of someone you don’t kn…

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Easter Trading Legislation Puts Pressure on Small Liquor Retailers

Easter Trading Legislation Puts Pressure on Small Liquor Retailers

This coming Easter Sunday, April 16 non-exempt, larger retailers like Coles and Woolworths will be allowed to open their doors to customers in Southeast Queensland. The Palaszczuk Government announced the decision on March 3, six weeks before Easter, to create a more uniform policy across the state. Previously, non-exempt retailers in Southeast Queensland including Brisbane, Gold  Coast  a…

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How to Spot Intoxicated Patrons

How to Spot Intoxicated Patrons

Preventing patrons from becoming intoxicated in licensed venues due to excessive or irresponsible alcohol consumption is a key aim of responsible service obligations and the NSW Government’s commitment to  minimise  alcohol  related-harm . Research clearly shows that intoxicated patrons can endanger the safety of other patrons as well as themselves. They are a major risk fact…

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