Minister for Gaming and Racing and Member for Wyong David Harris outlines the NSW Government’s vibrancy reforms to revitalise the hospitality sector and hear from licensed businesses at a recent industry forum in Gosford.
The Entertainment Grounds at Gosford Race Club hosted the Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow, which attracted more than 100 industry participants with the aim of building closer ties between businesses across the region and government organisations.
Attendees heard from senior officials on a range of topics, including licensing, policy and compliance requirements, as well as the Government’s continuing measures to stimulate the state’s night-time economy and programs to assist businesses.
Some of the vibrancy reforms outlined included: an 80% reduction on annual liquor licence fees for venues that host live music, as well as two hours of extended trading; reduced costs and a faster, streamlined consultation process for liquor licence applications and community feedback; a simpler process for noise complaints and the number of people required to make a statutory disturbance complaint against a licensed premises increased from three to five; making permanent a limited takeaway authorisation for restaurants and small bars; easier training requirements for former licensees re-entering the industry; and recognition of interstate digital driver’s licences as evidence of age in NSW licensed premises.
Harris launched the first Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow program in Newcastle in 2023 and since then, more than 800 participants have attended roadshows across 12 regions in NSW, including at Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Coffs Harbour and Tamworth.
There will be two further roadshows this year, in the Ballina Byron region in September and Bega in November.
“This roadshow is an opportunity for us to hear from industry stakeholders about their experiences working in the hospitality sector on the Central Coast and how the NSW Government can make it easier for them to do business,” Harris said.
“The Central Coast has a population of nearly 350,000 and is a rapidly growing region that is a desirable place (in which) to live, work and play and hospitality venues make a valuable contribution to the local community and the state’s economy.
“The roadshows offer an important opportunity to learn about support services the NSW Government is offering to help businesses grow and thrive, as well as bringing people together to discuss issues, make connections and learn from each other.”
To find out more about Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow, go to: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/events/regulatory-roadshows
