Member for Cessnock, Kerry Hickey, said the new laws will give visitors to the area more hospitality, dining and entertainment choices, while ensuring greater protections for local communities.

“The new Liquor Act recognises the important role regional tourism and small business plays in the State’s economy, and provides expanded opportunities for restaurants, wineries, regional breweries, surf clubs, hotel-motels and B and Bs,” Mr. Hickey said.

“The new Liquor Act 2007 and Liquor Regulation 2008 bring the State’s liquor laws into the 21st century, striking a balance between access to alcohol and community well-being.

“The laws slash red tape and reduce costs associated with obtaining liquor licences and provide greater flexibility in how venues sell and supply alcohol. But this is balanced with new offences, expanded powers and increased penalties to reduce alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and ensuring greater consultation between licensees and the wider community.

“For example, wineries can now sell their products at wine shows, farmers’ markets and producers’ fairs and, along with regional brewers, will be able to charge for tastings, and sell their products directly to the public at their premises.

“There are also benefits for the accommodation industry, with B and Bs and ‘farmstays’ now able to sell alcohol to guests, while simplified licensing arrangements will provide greater flexibility for motels.

“Dining out is another important part of tourism in the region. The old liquor laws made it prohibitively expensive for many restaurant and café owners to serve alcohol without meals. Now they can so this by making an application to the Authority and paying a $50 processing fee.”

Mr. Hickey said the laws will help attract holiday-makers by permitting a wider range of venues.

“A new on-premises licence will encourage new live entertainment venues; while tourist operators will be able to open wine bars by applying for a general bar licence and paying a $500 fee.