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 announced late last year. These reforms will continue to be upheld.

Toole said the 11pm trading extension given to bottle shops has proven successful.

“This extra hour of trading is a common sense move which is particularly benefiting rural and regional communities,” said Toole.

In regards to the state’s lockout laws, Toole said in addition to the seven live entertainment venues already granted trading time extensions, 19 applications are currently being assessed. These extensions allow venues to admit patrons until 2am and serve drinks until 3.30am.

Further reforms are expected to go before Parliament soon, including changes to the Three Strikes disciplinary scheme. Under the new rules, strikes will be given to individual licensees rather than businesses. This is especially beneficial for new owners and operators of a venue with strikes incurred by previous management.

Toole said violence in Kings Cross and Sydney CBD precincts had fallen since the inception of the lockout laws in 2014 and the Government would continue to work on public safety in those areas.

“While there has been some rises in assaults in nearby areas, these are far outweighed by the falls in the lockout precincts, with a net decrease of more than 600 incidents,” said Toole.

“The Government will continue to address alcohol-related violence wherever it occurs and work to improve public safety in and around all licensed venues and night-time entertainment precincts.
 
“At all times, our Government will be guided by the evidence as we fine tune liquor regulations.

“By working together, we can achieve great things and ensure NSW continues to have Australia’s best and most vibrant hospitality industry.”


Image: Paul Toole, Minister for Racing and Minister for Lands and Forestry

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