Deputy Premier and Minister for Hospitality Troy Grant tonight welcomed the passing of legislation that will strengthen compliance measures upon the State’s liquor outlets, while also providing greater certainty for other licensed venues.

Mr Grant said focus will now shift to ensuring strong compliance amongst licensed venues and liquor outlets.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government remains committed to striking the right balance between individual and industry responsibility,” Mr Grant said.

“Licensees will now be subjected to higher sanctions if they are caught selling alcohol to a minor.

“Where the offence is proven licences can be suspended for up to 28 days for a first offence, increasing to the automatic cancellation of a licence for a third offence in a 12-month period.

“The community will not tolerate the sale of alcohol to minors and our new offences make that clear.

“We are also introducing a tiered training system to help industry meet the high standards that the community expects of them.

Mr Grant said the legislation will also see the fee for small wineries, distillers and craft breweries lowered from $500 to $200.

“This acknowledges their lower risk profile and local contribution to regional tourism and economic activity throughout NSW.

“We will also incentivise venues currently holding 2am or 3am licences to drop back to midnight, while still being able to trade late for important community events.

“The Government will now work with the industry to ensure our measures are appropriately targeted and achieve real results.”