By Andy Young
Industry and community representatives are being encouraged to join the Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing (OLGR) in free workshops, which will discuss ways to reduce alcohol-related harm and support the local hospitality industry.
Taking place throughout New South Wales over September and October the half-day events offer industry and community representatives the opportunity to meet with liquor regulators and exchange ideas for promoting responsible, safe and vibrant hospitality industries.
OLGR representatives will be joined by stakeholders including licensees and liquor accord groups, local council representatives and police, health and community groups.
The events, including presentations and panel discussions for liquor accord members and workshops for accord groups and regulators, are scheduled for a variety of locations including:
- Batemans Bay – Tuesday 8 September
- Wagga Wagga – Thursday 10 September
- Dubbo – Tuesday 15 September
- Coffs Harbour – Thursday 17 September
- Blacktown – Thursday 8 October
- Sydney CBD – Tuesday 13 October
In a statement the OLGR said: "The first session of each event will include presentations by keynote speakers from OLGR, police and other government regulators on their roles.
"The presentations will focus on alcohol harm minimisation and what this means for licensed venues. These will be followed by expert panel discussions including questions from participants. The second session will involve workshops tailored for liquor accord executives and regulators.
"The liquor accord workshops will focus on how to develop successful liquor accord groups. They will cover membership strategies, local solutions for local problems and ways to work collaboratively with regulators.
"The workshops for regulators will bring together OLGR, Police and local government compliance officers to discuss local issues. They will focus on best practice solutions as well as ideas to support accord groups."
To secure a spot at an Information Exchange event register online or for further information phone (02) 9995 0312 or email accords@olgr.nsw.gov.au.