As seen in the December/January edition of Bowls Queensland’s Queensland Bowler magazine.
As this eventful year draws to a close, it presents an excellent opportunity to take stock of the lessons we have learnt in 2020, and highlight some important matters to consider as we head into the festive season.
Changes to committee or constitution
With many Clubs holding their AGM in the September and October months, it is important to consider your ongoing obligations to keep the OLGR informed of any changes to the executive structure of your club. In this regard, any changes to committee or board appointments must be notified to the OLGR and gaming licensees must lodge a Form 11. Similarly, if any licensed club amends its constitution then it needs to submit the updated constitution to the OLGR.
COVID-19 compliance
As we hopefully see a pick-up in trade approaching the Christmas period, it is important for all venues to uphold stringent compliance with COVID-19 guidelines and regulations, and not to be complacent in this regard. We understand that the OLGR continues to closely monitor compliance with these regulations, and we have no doubt that compliance officers will keep a close eye on Queensland venues throughout the festive season.
Generally speaking, we have observed a strong focus on compliance in relation to:
- the proper maintenance of contract tracing registers;
- prescribed gaming room and venue capacities.
This will be particularly pertinent in the lead up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve festivities. The OLGR advised in mid-November that the industry COVID Safe plans will be updated following the latest easing of restrictions, so please ensure you are operating under the latest version.
NYE extended trading
We take this opportunity to remind clubs that, irrespective of their ordinary licensed hours and without the lodging of a request to temporarily extend trading hours, they are able to trade through the evening to 2:00am on New Year’s Day. If you require any other one-off extended hours permits, please ensure you lodge these at least 21 days prior to your event.
Looking to the new year
The new year presents an opportunity for Queensland venues to consider their general commercial and compliance matters. This applies equally to COVID Safe plans, as well as workplace health and safety, employee management, insurance and risk management, management agreements, privacy and general policy updates. Perhaps your New Year’s resolution could include setting aside some time to dust off some of those older policies and re-read them to ensure they are still fit for purpose, and take the opportunity to update them or complete any unfinished policies that are missing for your club. Should you need any assistance with this, please do not hesitate to contact me on 07 3224 0353.
Finally, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy and healthy festive season – I look forward to sharing a drink with you all in 2021.
