NSW launches multilingual videos to explain liquor licensing rules

People who operate or work in licensed venues across New South Wales will have access to a new set of multilingual educational videos designed to help them understand liquor licensing requirements and comply with the state’s liquor laws.

Liquor & Gaming NSW has released five short instructional animations that explain key parts of the licensing process, including who can serve alcohol, why a liquor licence is required, how to apply for or transfer a licence, and when exemptions may apply.

Another video explains how members of the public can provide feedback on liquor licence applications and who applicants are required to notify during the process.

The videos have been recorded and captioned in English, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Greek and Vietnamese. The agency says the aim is to make regulatory information easier to understand and more accessible for people from a range of language backgrounds.

Liquor & Gaming NSW Director Regulatory Excellence Melanie Brown said the project builds on earlier education and engagement work with licensed businesses across the state.

“NSW is home to thousands of licensed businesses, many of which are owned, operated and staffed by people from non-English speaking backgrounds,” she said.

Brown said the agency had previously worked with Multicultural NSW to translate self-audit checklists for on-premises and packaged liquor licences into Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese.

That work was followed by inspections and engagement visits in local government areas with larger culturally diverse populations, with a focus on helping venue operators understand compliance requirements such as signage, record keeping and Responsible Service of Alcohol training.

She said the new animations were designed to present regulatory information in a simple and practical format.

“These animations provide additional support by simplifying complex regulatory information in a short video format using simple language and images,” Brown said.

“The easy-to-follow steps answer frequently asked questions and improve business and community understanding on what is required to supply and sell alcohol safely and responsibly in NSW.”

Multilingual education campaigns have become a common approach across a range of NSW regulatory agencies, particularly where licensing, public safety and compliance obligations affect businesses with diverse workforces and customer bases.

Licensed hospitality venues remain subject to a range of legal responsibilities under NSW liquor laws, including responsible service requirements, licence conditions and record keeping obligations. Failure to comply with those obligations can lead to penalties, licence suspensions or other regulatory action.

Liquor & Gaming NSW said the animations form part of the Hospitality and Racing Strategy 2026-28, which includes a focus on harm minimisation and improving industry understanding through targeted communication and engagement.

The agency has also highlighted its Hospitality Concierge service, which provides free assistance to licensed businesses on licensing and regulatory matters, as well as guidance on accessing government support programs.

The videos are available through the NSW Government’s Liquor & Gaming resources website and are intended for venue owners, managers, staff and event operators involved in the sale or supply of alcohol across New South Wales.