NSW Laws Will Help Struggling Clubs
The NSW Government has brought laws to Parliament to help registered clubs generate much-needed income, increase membership and visitation and reduce costs.
Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene said the Liquor and Registered Clubs Legislation Amendment Bill 2009, presented on September 24, removes restrictions that hold back NSW clubs.
“The NSW Government committed to removing membership limits so clubs can issue seven-day temporary memberships and expand their business,” Mr Greene said. “The legislation we have brought to Parliament today does exactly that.
“Clubs bring benefits to every corner of NSW, creating jobs, financial support, and quality facilities and services to many local communities and the benefits must be protected.
“Tough economic times and increased competition for the entertainment dollar have created a major challenge for clubs to remain viable and that’s why we will continue working with the industry to help ensure their future.”
Mr Greene said the changes were recommended by the IPART review of the club industry, with key feature of the laws including …
> Seven-day club temporary memberships so holidaymakers and travellers can keep going back to clubs without signing in each day
> Reducing costs for clubs in maintaining temporary membership records
> Removing membership limits put in place many years ago that have been made redundant by modern planning and fire safety laws
> Lifting a prohibition on clubs providing off-site catering at functions so clubs can expand business operations and generate additional income
“The Government will keep working with Clubs to help them stay viable into the future,” the Minister added.
Minor changes also are being made to the State’s liquor laws.
“Fourteen months ago we introduced the biggest shake-up of our liquor laws in a quarter of a century,” Mr Greene said. “We’re changing the way in which disturbance complaints against licensed venues are handled so neighbourhood problems can be addressed quickly and effectively without being bogged down by legal argument.
“We’re also allowing metropolitan brewers and distillers to sell their products direct to the public from their premises. This measure, designed to support business, employment and tourism, was previously restricted to regional brewers and distillers.”
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