Crisafulli Government delivers reforms for hospitality industry

• The Crisafulli Government is reducing unnecessary red tape for Queensland hotels and clubs.
• Regulatory changes will modernise payment methods and support safer operating environments which deter theft and damage.  
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and a safe and thriving hospitality sector across Queensland. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and working with Queensland clubs and pubs to support a safe and thriving hospitality sector after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.  

Changes to modernise payment methods, reduce regulatory burdens for licensees, and respond to practical security concerns have been made following consultation with key hospitality stakeholders. 

From 1 December, cheques will no longer be the default method of payment for certain gaming machine payments as Australia phases out cheques from its payment system.

The amendments also clarify that the keno licensee is able to pay unclaimed prizes and unused keno dollars to the Government by methods other than cheque. 

Venue operators will also be formally permitted to leave gaming machine doors open after gaming has ended for the day, helping to deter break-ins, theft and damage to machines by clearly showing when there is no cash in the machine. 

In response to concerns that the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) Commissioner’s Guideline 40 has not kept pace with inflation or rising building costs under the former Labor Government, a review was conducted. 

Changes to the guideline will make it easier for licensees to undertake renovations and alterations at their premises without facing unnecessary compliance hurdles. This reform will help venues expand, improve facilities, and enable them to better serve their patrons. 

The OLGR will also be limiting onsite administrative compliance activities during peak trading hours, updating their training and guideline materials to support licensees, and progressing more streamlined licensing processes to improve efficiency. 

These changes provide enhanced support for industry, whilst maintaining effective regulatory oversight of liquor and gaming in Queensland. 

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said these simple but effective changes respond to feedback from the liquor and gaming industry, without compromising safety for Queensland. 

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to working together with the hospitality sector to identify priority red tape reduction measures to support their operations,” the Attorney General said. 

“Allowing gaming machine doors to remain open until the next trading period will also deter break-ins and theft and reduce damage.” 

The Attorney-General said that, with the review of Guideline 40 now complete, hotels and clubs can now also renovate and upgrade their venues without jumping through unnecessary hoops. 

“This means more vibrant venues, more investment, and more opportunities for Queenslanders to enjoy world-class hospitality.” 

The Crisafulli Government will continue to work collaboratively with the hotels and clubs to deliver a safe and thriving hospitality industry for Queensland.

ENDS