Liquor & Gaming NSW launches phase two of compliance program for pubs and club
Liquor & Gaming New South Wales, Australia has announced the commencement of the next phase of its targeted compliance program aimed at ensuring pubs and clubs comply with essential gaming harm-minimisation measures.
Phase two
Building on an already robust compliance initiative, which involved over 875 inspections in the past seven months, Phase Two aims to reinforce adherence to these measures.
During the initial phase, 77 Penalty Notices were issued for gaming-related breaches, and three prosecutions were initiated. In Phase Two, an additional 500 inspections are scheduled to take place in pubs and clubs across the state. Liquor & Gaming NSW has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards any violations of key gambling harm-minimisation measures.
Jane Lin, the Executive Director of Regulatory Operations & Enforcement at Liquor & Gaming NSW, acknowledged that while most venues were found to be compliant, inspectors still uncovered significant issues. These include:
- Venues not operating in accordance with their primary purpose, meaning they are only operating gambling areas or only operating the bar in the gaming room
- The placement of ATMs in areas where gaming machines are located
- Patrons needing to pass through gaming rooms to access other parts of a venue.
Lin emphasized that gaming harm-minimisation measures are crucial for ensuring a safe gambling industry and mitigating the potential harms associated with excessive gambling: “Gaming harm-minimisation measures are designed to ensure a safe gaming industry and limit the harm that can be associated with gambling. Failure to comply with these requirements carries penalties up to AU$5,500 (US$3,720) and is grounds for disciplinary action.”
Responsible gambling environment
During this phase, inspectors will be visiting numerous venues across metropolitan and regional areas of New South Wales, including Greater Sydney, Liverpool Plains, Tamworth, Armidale, Uralla, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Singleton, Upper Hunter, and Muswellbrook local government areas.
In addition to monitoring compliance with gaming harm-minimisation measures, inspectors will also pay close attention to gaming signage, providing information and addressing any questions venue operators may have regarding the upcoming signage ban, set to be enforced on September 1st.
This proactive compliance program reflects Liquor & Gaming NSW’s commitment to fostering a responsible gambling environment, ensuring the welfare of individuals engaging in gaming activities, and upholding the integrity of the industry.
