As featured in the latest edition of Club Insight Magazine
For those operating community clubs in Queensland, you may have previously had gripes with the OLGR as to inconsistencies in their compliance practices across regions and in orchestrating compliance inspections during peak trading periods.
Never fear, in response to a comprehensive review of its practices, including taking into account feedback from industry stakeholders, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) is now rolling out a modernised compliance program model as part of its commitment to adopting a more balanced, industry-focused approach to compliance practices.
This modernised model aims to reduce the regulatory burden on licensees, particularly in how compliance inspections are conducted by:
- Streamlining processes
- Focussing on high-risk/critical issues such as:
- Preventing supply and consumption offences involving minors;
- Monitoring responsible service of alcohol (RSA) practices;
- Ensuring proper supervision of gaming machine areas, particularly for excluded patrons;
- Safety issues.
- Addressing low-risk issues during prearranged off-peak inspections to allow licensees sufficient time to prepare and allocate resources.
The key take away from the modernised model is simple: The OLGR is seeking to make compliance smarter, more consistent, and less disruptive whilst keeping community safety front and centre.
Non-compliant venues
If your venue has ongoing non-compliance issues, such as insufficient controls/practices or showing an unwillingness to work collaboratively with the OLGR, you will likely continue to experience inspections during peak trading periods.
Initial results
The OLGR has already inspected over 50 venues under the new model, beginning in South East Queensland, with the rollout expanding statewide as the OLGR compliance officers visit licensees in other regions.
What does this mean for you?
For community clubs, this roll out is a great opportunity to:
- review your internal compliance systems, particularly around responsible service of alcohol, responsible service of gaming, and venue supervision to prevent any offences involving minors or excluded patrons; and
- address any outstanding or ongoing safety issues present at your venue.
As part of this process, you should ensure all policies and procedures are up to date and staff are properly qualified/trained for their roles to position your club well under the new regime.
Mullins Lawyers has over 30 year’s specialist experience in the hospitality, liquor, and gaming industry and is well-placed to assist you with any of your needs.
If you would like assistance or advice with compliance for your venue, please feel free to contact me on 07 3224 0353.
