NSW GOVERNMENT UPDATE
FAQs for the Liquor and Gaming Industries
The NSW Government continues to work with stakeholders and customers to ensure we can all be COVID-safe. We will regularly update this page, so please keep checking back.
These FAQs relate to the Public Health Orders by Minister Hazzard and the Statement of Regulatory Intent in regards to the Liquor Act 2007 and the Statement of Regulatory Intent in regards to the Registered Clubs Act 1976 – both made by Commissioner Webb.
What you can and can’t do under the rules
This page contains general advice for the liquor and gaming industry. For the most up-to-date advice on restrictions, please visit the COVID-19 web page
For regular updates as announcements are made about COVID-19 that affect the liquor and gaming industries go to the following link: www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/covid-19-coronavirus-faqs-for-the-liquor-and-gaming-industries
We encourage you to check their website on a regular basis for more information.
Questions covered include:
COVID Safe Plans
All hospitality venues must complete a COVID Safety Plan under the Public Health Orders.
COVID-19 Safety Plans are comprehensive checklists designed by NSW Health and approved by the Chief Health Officer.
The plans provide clear directions on how businesses and organisations should fulfil their obligations under Public Health Orders to minimise risk of transmission of COVID-19 on their premises, across four key areas:
Wellbeing of staff and customers
Physical distancing
Hygiene and cleaning
Records keeping.
A Service NSW Business Concierge can help you if your business has been impacted by COVID-19 (coronavirus). You can request a call for later.
Changes to customer record keeping for hospitality venues and hairdressers
As of January 1 2021, all hospitality venues and hairdressers will be required to use the NSW Government QR code system.
Learn more about COVID Safe Check-in with the Service NSW app.
Visit the QR codes page on the NSW Government website.
For more information for Clubs on specific requirements under the Registered Clubs Act 1976 during COVID-19, see Statement of Regulatory intent.
Advice to industry
Takeaway and home delivery liquor sales
Who can be open at this time?
How do I develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan?
What are my obligations under the Public Health Order?
Are licence conditions for larger venues relaxed?
What support will licensed venues get to help them meet their obligations?
Do I have to lodge a “Re-commence trading notice”?
What COVID training is available?
Who can sell takeaway liquor and home deliver in NSW at the moment?
I do not have a liquor licence. Can I still take advantage of these arrangements?
Can I sell liquor from any location?
Do I need to apply for another liquor licence to sell takeaway liquor and/or home deliver?
Are there trading hour restrictions?
How much and what type of alcohol can be sold?
Are there any restrictions or obligations that licensees should be aware of?
What if my development consent prohibits takeaway sales?
Do I need to sell food with takeaway or home delivery of liquor?
I have an existing packaged liquor licence and/or hotel licence. Do these changes apply to me?
Fees and refunds
Are you still charging application fees for new liquor licences?
Can I get a refund for a liquor licence application fee I paid before waivers were announced?
Has COVID-19 had an impact on liquor licence processing times?
Regulations
What approach is Liquor & Gaming NSW taking to regulation and compliance during the COVID-19 outbreak?
Will administrative and minor investigations be paused?
We’ve had to close our business due to the Government imposed conditions. Do I need to submit a Cease to Trade notice even though we plan on opening again when the conditions are lifted?
If we’re not trading at present, do I still need to complete Licensee Training?
Gaming machines
Is there any change to Centralised Monitoring System (CMS) fees for gaming machines that are switched-off because of venue shutdowns?
Do venues closed to the public need to turn gaming machines on for 15 minutes every seven days?
Have any gaming-related payments been deferred?
Can I have more time to acquire my gaming machine entitlements?
Are you still processing gaming-related applications?
Is gaming tax being deferred?
Competency cards holders and Approved Training Providers
My competency card expired on or after 1 March 2020. Has anything changed with my competency card?
I’m new to the NSW liquor and gaming industry. Do I have to do training?
When do I need to complete Licensee Training and/or Advanced Licensee Training?
Will I be notified about the training before my new competency card expires (on 30 June 2021)?
The expiry date on my card is wrong. Will I get a new competency card?