ANZAC Day NSW Hospitality Restrictions, 27th Apr
Summary
Liquor & Gaming NSW issued its April 2026 Hospitality and Racing Newsletter covering ANZAC Day observance on 27 April, annual liquor licence fee (ALLF) payment due 29 May, a new voluntary Code of Practice for facial recognition technology in hotels and clubs gazetted 18 March, and a renewed GambleAware Parents campaign. An evaluation of the 2024 gaming reforms is underway through Ipsos Public Affairs in partnership with CQUniversity. Racing for the Regions funding includes $20M for Scone Race Club upgrades and $800K for Tumbarumba Equine Club improvements.
“The due date for payment is 29 May.”
Venues currently operating or considering facial recognition technology should review the Code's standards on data security and privacy protection now, even though compliance is voluntary — the Code is explicitly described as an interim step toward mandatory facial recognition for the NSW Statewide Exclusion Register, suggesting future mandatory requirements are likely for venues with gaming machines. Venues subject to the ALLF should ensure payment is made by 29 May to avoid penalties, and any operator disputing the fee calculation should file a reassessment application before the 27 July closure date.
What changed
The newsletter aggregates multiple regulatory updates for NSW licensed venues. Key compliance deadlines include the Annual Liquor Licence Fee (ALLF) payment due 29 May, fee reassessment applications closing 27 July, and fee waiver applications closing 22 May. A voluntary Code of Practice for Facial Recognition Technology in Hotels and Clubs was gazetted 18 March under the Gaming Machines Act 2001, providing guidance on identifying excluded patrons and meeting data security and privacy standards. While voluntary, venues are encouraged to follow the Code as an interim step toward mandatory facial recognition for the NSW Statewide Exclusion Register. An evaluation of the 2024 gaming reforms (Responsible Gambling Officers, gambling incident registers, Gaming Plans of Management, Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling training) covering the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 is being conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs and CQUniversity through April–May 2026 stakeholder consultations.
Licensed venues, clubs, and hotels in NSW should note the upcoming ALLF payment deadline and assess whether to adopt the facial recognition Code of Practice. Venues currently operating or planning to implement facial recognition technology should review the Code's best-practice guidance on data security and privacy protection. Stakeholders involved in the 2024 gaming reforms may be contacted for feedback as part of the ongoing evaluation. The ANZAC Day public holiday on 27 April may affect licensing and trading arrangements at hospitality venues.
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Apr 20, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Newsletter
Hospitality and Racing April Newsletter 2026
Published: 20 April 2026 Released by: Liquor & Gaming NSW Listen Read the latest updates from Liquor & Gaming NSW with key announcements, regulatory updates and information relevant to industry and stakeholders to stay informed.
On this page
Commemorating Anzac Day responsibly
With NSW observing a public holiday on Monday 27 April to commemorate Anzac Day, licensed venues across NSW are encouraged to prepare for a busy long weekend with large crowds expected to gather at pubs and clubs.
Most retail shops will be closed on Anzac Day as required by trading restrictions under the Retail Trading Act 2008. A full list of exemptions and further information is available on the Trading on public holidays in NSW webpage.
Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&SNSW) reminds venues to implement appropriate measures to manage increased patron numbers, including considerations around two-up games, alcohol service and gambling-related risks.
Annual liquor licence fee due now
Annual Liquor Licence Fee (ALLF) notices were sent by email and SMS on Monday 13 April. The due date for payment is 29 May.
If you believe an error has been made in the calculation of your fee, you can apply for a fee reassessment using our fee reassessment application form Applications will close on 27 July.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you can apply for a fee waiver using our fee waiver application form. Supporting documentation that shows evidence of financial hardship must accompany the application. Applications will close on 22 May.
For details on how the annual fees are calculated, and how to apply for fee reassessments and fee waivers, please watch our short videos. Additional information on the ALLF program is available.
New Code of Practice for use of facial recognition in hotels and clubs
On 18 March, the Minister for Gaming and Racing gazetted a voluntary Code of Practice for use of Facial Recognition in Hotels and Clubs (PDF 382.83KB) under the Gaming Machines Act 2001.
The Code provides guidance on the appropriate use of facial recognition technology (FRT) to help identify excluded patrons in hotels and clubs with gaming machines. It also highlights important data security and privacy protection standards that venues are expected to meet when operating FRT.
The Code applies to venues that are currently using FRT, as well as those that choose to introduce FRT in the future. While the Code is voluntary, venues are encouraged to follow the Code, which outlines best practice for the use of FRT in venues.
The Code represents an interim step towards the NSW Government’s commitment for mandatory facial recognition to support the NSW Statewide Exclusion Register.
Help make hospitality a safer industry in NSW
Current and former NSW hospitality workers are invited to take part in a strictly confidential survey led by the University of NSW and the University of Melbourne.
The research aims to help create safer workplaces by informing evidence-based strategies and policy recommendations for venue and festival operators, employers and government.
Participants can go into the draw to win one of eight $250 gift vouchers.
Take the survey
Launch of GambleAware Parents campaign
This month, the Office of Responsible Gambling re-launched the GambleAware Parents campaign, with a renewed focus on connecting with male caregivers.
The campaign teams up with influencer, Luke Bateman, and highlights the important role parents play in shaping their children’s attitudes towards gambling.
Keep an eye out for the campaign on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
For practical tips on how to protect young people from gambling harm, visit the GambleAware website
Save the date: GambleAware Week 2026
GambleAware Week will be held from 19-25 October.
Each year, GambleAware providers, community organisations and industry partners from across NSW come together to raise awareness about gambling harm.
Planning for 2026 is now underway, making this the perfect time to mark your calendars and consider how you can get involved. Stay updated by visiting the GambleAware website for campaign news and resources.
Evaluation of the implementation of the 2024 Gaming Reforms
An evaluation of the implementation of the gaming reforms introduced in clubs and hotels between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 is underway.
These reforms include the introduction of:
- Responsible Gambling Officers, gambling incident registers, Gaming Plans of Management, and Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling training
- directional signage and visibility requirements for cash dispensing facilities, gaming machines and gaming areas. Ipsos Public Affairs, in partnership with CQUniversity, is leading the evaluation. A sample of industry and community stakeholders will be consulted in April - May 2026.
Feedback will help us evaluate the implementation of these reforms in supporting a culture of gambling harm minimisation.
If you have any questions, please email our Customer Experience Team
Racing for the Regions
On 7 April, the Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, officially opened world-class facilities at Scone Race Club funded through the Racing for the Regions program.
A total of $20 million was allocated to the project under the program to install a state-of-the-art Polytrack training track, new stables and enhanced supporting infrastructure to put Scone on the international racing map.
The funding is part of the NSW Government $67 million Racing for the Regions program.
Racing for the Regions projects in the Hunter region include a grandstand and multi-purpose function centre upgrade, as well as enhanced female jockey facilities at Muswellbrook and a new sand-based training track and stables at Cessnock.
Find out more about the program
Major upgrades to boost local attraction to Tumbarumba region
Major upgrades to the Tumbarumba Equine Club have been completed following $800,000 funding from the Australian Government through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Program.
The ClubGRANTS Category 3 Disaster Readiness Infrastructure funding provided an additional $200,000 for upgrades to stockholding yards.
The improvements are expected to broaden opportunities to attract new members and host festivals and events which will significantly boost local economic growth.
Live music revival
Image credit The NSW live music scene is experiencing a surge in venues offering live music and accessing vibrancy incentives including extended trading.
A record 564 venues are accessing live music incentives as part of the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms, making it easier for venues to add live music and performance to their offering.
ILGA updated guidelines
The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA/the Authority) has updated ILGA Guideline 7 – Authority’s decision-making and reasons for decisions – to reflect current practice and recommendations of the June 2025 NSW Auditor-General's Report, Regulation of gaming machines
ILGA accepted the NSW Audit Office’s recommendations and is committed to ensuring decisions are clearly and promptly communicated, generally publishing statements of reasons for decisions within 30 days. In addition, ILGA has already implemented the recommendation to publish statements of reasons for all refused gaming machine applications.
Licensees at leased Federal airports
From 1 April, the regulation of the sale and supply of liquor at Sydney, Western Sydney International, Bankstown and Camden Airports transitioned from the Commonwealth to the NSW Government.
Legislative changes were made to facilitate the transition and ensure minimal disruptions to airport operations. The changes also support the 24/7 operations of the new Western Sydney International Airport.
Businesses that transitioned to the NSW regulatory framework are being issued an equivalent NSW liquor licence. New businesses that want to sell and supply alcohol at these airports, must apply to L&GNSW for a liquor licence.
More information is available on the Transition of liquor regulation at NSW Airports webpage.
Food Waste Sustainability training
Launched on 31 March, Tafe NSW is offering a new Food Waste Sustainability Microskill course.
The free training is available until 11 May and is open to anyone working in the NSW hospitality industry.
The course covers practical ways to reduce, manage and recycle food waste, and supports venues to meet the NSW Government's new food waste recycling requirements. It is funded through an Environment Protection Authority grant.
Stay connected
In case you missed it!
- Easter and Anzac Day public holiday trading restrictions
- Harness Racing NSW appointments
- More than 650 gaming machine exemptions revoked to address gambling harm
- Liquor & Gaming NSW launches new, easier contact portal
- Hospitality and Racing roadshow series starts the year in Moree
- Code of Practice: Facial Recognition Technology in hotels and clubs
Upcoming events
- New licensees webinar - 21 April 2026
- Understanding the ATP Course Management Portal (ATP portal)
- Expectations and support services for NSW airport liquor licensees - 5 May 2026
- New licensees webinar - 23 June 2026 Missed an issue? Read previous issues of our newsletter.
Related News
News
Help make hospitality a safer industry in NSW
Have you ever worked in the hospitality industry in NSW? Researchers from the University of New South Wales and the University of Melbourne are running a research project to improve understanding of sexual harassment and sexual assault experienced or witnessed by hospitality workers in licensed settings, including venues, festivals and events. News
Easter and Anzac Day public holiday liquor trading restrictions
Trading restrictions apply to licensed premises operating during the Easter and Anzac Day periods. News
Code of Practice: Facial Recognition Technology in Hotels & Clubs
The Code sets out expectations and provides guidance for hotels and clubs to follow when using facial recognition technology (FRT) to help staff identify excluded patrons.
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Source document text, dates, docket IDs, and authority are extracted directly from L&G NSW.
The summary, classification, recommended actions, deadlines, and penalty information are AI-generated from the original text and may contain errors. Always verify against the source document.
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