This is a key measure of the NSW Government’s third tranche of vibrancy reforms that will be introduced to parliament next week.
In its first two years the NSW Government passed two tranches of vibrancy legislation aimed at rebuilding the state’s night-time economy by removing unnecessary restrictions on hospitality operators.
The new tranche of legislation will increase safety for patrons and workers, including a change in the Liquor Act relating to the treatment of intoxicated patrons.
Currently venues are required to immediately remove intoxicated patrons to maintain a safe and responsible service of alcohol.
Venues have reported this can have the unintended consequence of pushing vulnerable people onto the streets, increasing the risk of violence, sexual assault and getting hit by a vehicle.
Under the changes, venues can keep an intoxicated patron on the premises and actively monitor them while transport or medical assistance arrives, rather than requiring them to leave immediately.
Other rules apply to the management of intoxicated patrons, including restrictions on entering gaming rooms or being served more alcohol.
Individual processes to support this proposed change will vary from venue to venue, but the harm minimisation measures will remain the same for all licensees.
They are now able to use their discretion to prioritise patron safety and wellbeing over the immediate removal of intoxicated patrons.
Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) will work with the hospitality industry to ensure appropriate measures are in place and will support venues to provide advice and guidance to staff and management.
Other measures in the third tranche of vibrancy reforms include:
• Making extended trading hours incentives more accessible for regional venues.
• Streamlining the process for venues to have outdated license conditions removed, so they can more easily program live music and entertainment.
• Encouraging the ‘weekend away’ and supporting tourism by allowing Special Event Extended Trading for up to 24 hours prior to an event.
• Diversifying night-time offerings by allowing venues that provide entertainment such as pool tables, jukeboxes and amusement machines to apply for an on-premises liquor licence.
