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Tony Schwartz has practised in a broad range of areas of law with a particular interest and speciality in liquor licensing matters since his admission as a solicitor in 1979.
The cornerstone of Tony's expertise and recognition in the provision of legal services to the liquor, hospitality and gaming industry is his contribution to education and technical legal services as the principal author of the liquor licensing publication McDonald's Licensing Laws of New South Wales. Tony has been the author of this publication since 1990. It is used and relied upon by other solicitors, the Police service, Magistrates and Officers of the former Licensing Court and current Local Court, Officers of the former Liquor Administration Board (Board) and Officers of the Casino, Liquor & Gaming Control Authority (Authority).
Tony has in the past and continues to provide support, training and advice on liquor and gaming related matters. He regularly delivers lectures on licensing law to solicitors through the Young Lawyers of NSW, the NSW State Legal Conference, regional law society groups, and liquor accords and to private industry. Tony is well regarded in the legal profession as a lecturer and an expert witness in proceedings involving liquor licensing practice and procedure. He regularly acts for other legal practitioners so that their clients receive specialised advice on liquor and gaming matters.
Tony has been involved in all types of major investigations, complaints and prosecutions instigated by the Police or the Director of Liquor and Gaming and has represented the applicant or submitter in more social impact assessments before the former Board than any other legal adviser in NSW. He has been involved in many of the recent cases in the Supreme Court involving the Liquor Act, the Registered Clubs Act and the Gaming Machines Act as well as appearing in matters before the Land and Environment Court involving hotels and other licensed premises. Such proceedings have involved lease disputes, poker machine entitlement issues, extension of trading hours, outdoor smoking areas and disputes involving restrictive conditions imposed by Councils or local consent authorities.
Tony has been involved in representations with the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing and Authority in relation to the 2007 Liquor Act and 2008 Liquor Regulation on behalf of various clients and in his capacity as the author of McDonalds Licensing Laws of New South Wales.
Tony has significant experience in liquor licence applications, licence related authorisations and the community impact process and the impacts unique to the types of liquor licences or authorisations sought. As such he is sought after by those in the industry to assist in simple and straight forward applications right through to the most difficult, complicated and complex legal matters. Tony is committed to every client's individual needs and requirements and is well regarded for his ability to provide prompt and accurate advice.
Tony has represented the interests of Woolworths Limited in their licensed venues throughout New South Wales for over 12 years, which includes the brand names Woolworths Liquor, BWS - Beer Wine Spirits, Safeway Liquor and Dan Murphy's. The chain stands 280 licensed venues strong and Tony has played a significant part in the successful expansion of the chain over the last 12 years or so. Tony’s client base is extensive. He represents the interests of other clients who operate a number of restaurant, motel or hotel chains in NSW in relation to obtaining and/or maintaining their existing liquor licences, compliance issues or further acquisitions. Tony also represents some of the major Clubs operating in NSW. Tony's individual clients operate restaurants, hotels, bars, bottle shops, registered clubs, public entertainment venues, catering businesses, internet businesses, wholesale businesses, wineries or resorts. Tony’s clients extend to major developers who require assistance with the licensing of new resort style projects (including golf courses) that incorporate large scale development of sites and multiple uses at that site. Expert advice is given to clients in commercial transactions when selling or acquiring a liquor licence and the drafting of special conditions for contracts for sale or leases.
Tony’s experience and knowledge in all areas of liquor licensing and gaming related matters is extensive. He would be happy to discuss any matter of interest to you and can be contacted on the abovementioned details.
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