A Senate inquiry into red tape has heard that the regulation of the sale,  supply  and taxation of alcohol has become so bad it’s causing people to leave the industry. By Gavin Atkins, Media Adviser to Senator David Leyonhjelm The inquiry, which was instigated and is chaired by Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonhjelm, heard that as many as 16 different tax classifications are appl…

Sydney’s World Bar has become the first venue in Kings Cross to gain a trading extension until 3.30am, marking the NSW Government’s move to relax the state’s lock-out laws even in areas of the city where alcohol and drug-related violence had caused the need for decision-makers to implement the legislation in the first place. Last year, the Hon Ian Callinan AC QC, following the independent statutory rev…

The peak industry body for the Australian alcohol industry has condemned the Western Australian Labor Party’s proposal to ban alcohol advertising on public transport. As part of its pre-election campaign, Labor has said that if voted in, it would put a stop to alcohol advertising on buses, at train stations and bus stops, linking its decision to alcohol-caused harm in the community. 9 News Per…

As of Friday 16 December, small bars will be able to begin trading until 2 am, while bottle shops will be able to sell alcohol until 11 pm. The news follows the Premier for New South Wales, Mike Baird’s decision to relax the state’s lockout laws and takeaway alcohol sales restrictions and an announcement from the local Government this week that it would bring the new legislation into effect ahead of the…

There is hardly a bar, club, restaurant, or café that doesn’t have its own Facebook page. Proprietors love Facebook for promoting upcoming events and hosting glowing reviews, and patrons are expecting to see one when they access the internet while dining, drinking or just hanging out. But an increasing demand for internet access has seen bars, clubs, and restaurants – even local councils – provide free Wi…

BACARDÍ has released the second episode of its three-part video series, Party Talks, which explores the state of Australian nightlife in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, shining a light on what keeps the country’s key cultural curators going and up at night. Watch the Brisbane ‘Party Talks’ here. The latest episode was shot around the recent House of Bacardi party in Sydney and features insights from some …

This time last year, retailers were celebrating a significant milestone in NSW, following the passing of a trial reform by the the NSW Government and NSW Legislation Council that allowed all retailers in the state to trade on Boxing Day. The reform was given a two-year trial period and will be ending this Boxing Day, 2016. Prior to the reform, Boxing Day was a ‘restricted trading day’ allowing some retail…

The former Manager of the Imperial Hotel in Erskineville has been ordered to pay over $5,000 and banned from running a licensed premise for the next three years following incidences that resulted in illegal drug activity, intoxicated patrons and disturbance to the local community under his management. The sanctions against Murat Kilic have been imposed by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority Board …

In an Australian first, on and off-premise staff in NSW are now able to download their Responsible Service of Alcohol and Responsible Conduct of Gambling Competency Cards on a smartphone and tablet. The digital versions of the competency cards are available through the new ‘My Licences’ digital wallet in the latest version of the Service NSW app. Staff can now display, as well as update and renew their c…

Two former operators of Dreamgirls strip club in Kings Cross have been banned for life by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) from holding a liquor licence and managing a licensed venue. Mr David Lakepa and Mr Michael Amante were  convicted in court in May this year for operating an unlicensed bar at the strip club, as well as for drugs being used and sold on the premises. Mr Lakepa was th…