Governance
Licensing Obligations Register for NSW Clubs - Template
July 2026 · Lane Consulting & Advisory
This is not legal advice
This register is a compliance consulting tool prepared by Lane Consulting & Advisory (LCA). It summarises, in plain English, key licensing obligations applicable to registered clubs in NSW. LCA does not provide legal advice, and nothing in this register should be treated as such. It is general guidance only, does not cover every circumstance, and must not be relied on as a substitute for reviewing the primary legislation or obtaining independent legal advice on the club's specific circumstances.
Who this register is for
This register is designed for registered clubs in NSW - RSL, leagues, bowls and similar clubs holding a club licence under the Liquor Act 2007 (NSW) and registered under the Registered Clubs Act 1976 (NSW). It is intended as a practical tool to help boards, compliance officers and management track the key licensing obligations that apply to the club's operations.
Registered clubs operate under a layered licensing framework. A club licence under the Liquor Act 2007 authorises the supply of liquor on the premises, while registration under the Registered Clubs Act 1976 imposes additional obligations specific to the not-for-profit, member-owned structure of registered clubs. Both regimes are administered and enforced by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) and Liquor and Gaming NSW (L&GNSW).
Important scope notes before using this register
- AML/CTF obligations: Clubs providing designated services - including operating electronic gaming machines - are reporting entities under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth). Those obligations are addressed in LCA's separate AML/CTF Obligations Register for Clubs with EGMs and are not repeated here.
- Multi-venue clubs: Clubs operating more than one licensed premises should confirm which obligations apply at the entity level and which apply at the premises level, and extend the register accordingly.
- Section L - club-specific obligations: The register includes a section for obligations that flow directly from the club's own licence conditions and undertakings. That section must be completed by the club from its own licence documentation - it cannot be pre-populated.
How to read the register
The register is structured as a table with columns covering: the obligation area, what it means in practice for the club, the legislative source, how often it applies or what triggers it, and the internal owner responsible for compliance. It is designed to be adapted to the club's specific circumstances - the internal owner column in particular should be completed by the club to reflect its own governance structure.
The register is a living document. Licensing obligations change as legislation is amended, new conditions are imposed by ILGA, or the club's operations change. LCA recommends reviewing the register at least annually and after any significant change to the club's licence, premises or operations.
The 14 obligation areas covered
The register covers 14 sections, each corresponding to a distinct area of licensing obligation applicable to a registered club in NSW.
Registration, structure and governance
Obligations arising from registration under the Registered Clubs Act 1976, including the requirement to maintain a constitution, hold a current certificate of registration, operate as a not-for-profit entity, and ensure the club's objects and activities remain consistent with its registered status.
Financial accountability and the Accountability Code
Financial reporting and accountability obligations, including the preparation and audit of annual financial statements, compliance with the ClubsNSW Accountability Code, disclosure obligations to members, and the requirement to maintain proper accounting records.
Amalgamation, core property and member rights
Obligations relating to the disposal or use of core property, the process for amalgamation with another club, and the rights of members including access to financial information, the right to vote, and protections against improper expulsion.
Junior members, minors and disciplinary action
Obligations relating to junior membership categories, restrictions on minors' access to certain areas and activities, and the requirements for conducting disciplinary proceedings against members in accordance with the club's constitution and natural justice principles.
Liquor licence and responsible service obligations
Obligations under the Liquor Act 2007 and the club's liquor licence, including trading hours, approved areas for the supply of liquor, the requirement for an approved manager, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training for staff, and the prohibition on serving intoxicated persons.
Minors, incidents and promotions on licensed premises
Restrictions on minors on licensed premises including restricted areas and proof of age requirements, the obligation to maintain an incident register for prescribed events, and restrictions on liquor promotions that may encourage rapid or excessive consumption.
Gaming machine entitlements and administrative controls
Obligations under the Gaming Machines Act 2001 relating to the club's gaming machine entitlements, approved gaming machine numbers, the requirement to hold a current gaming-related licence, and administrative controls including signage, player information, and the gaming machine data system.
Gambling harm minimisation and minors
Harm minimisation obligations for gaming venues, including the display of responsible gambling signage, the availability and administration of self-exclusion programs, restrictions on minors in gaming areas, and compliance with any harm minimisation conditions imposed by ILGA or the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.
Tobacco retail licensing and sale restrictions
Obligations under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 for clubs that sell tobacco products, including the requirement to hold a current tobacco retailer licence, display of health warnings, restrictions on the placement and display of tobacco products, and the prohibition on sales to minors.
Tobacco advertising, minors and enforcement
Prohibitions on tobacco advertising at or near the point of sale, obligations relating to the sale of tobacco to minors including proof of age requirements, and the enforcement and penalty framework applicable to tobacco retail licence holders.
Oversight, multiple regulators and recent reform
An overview of the regulatory bodies that oversee registered clubs in NSW - including ILGA, Liquor and Gaming NSW, the Office of Responsible Gambling, NSW Health, and NSW Food Authority - and a summary of recent legislative reforms relevant to club compliance obligations.
Specific licensing obligations documented on licence(s)
A club-specific section for obligations that flow directly from the conditions attached to the club's own liquor licence, gaming-related licence, or any undertakings given to ILGA. This section is completed by the club from its own licence documentation and cannot be pre-populated.
Food safety obligations
Obligations under the Food Act 2003 (NSW) and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code for clubs that prepare or sell food, including the requirement to notify the relevant food authority, implement a food safety program where required, and ensure food handlers have appropriate skills and knowledge.
Primary sources and regulator guidance referenced in this register
A consolidated reference list of the primary legislation, regulations and regulator guidance documents cited throughout the register, to assist clubs in locating the source material for each obligation area.
Key regulators and resources
The register references obligations administered by multiple regulators. The primary bodies and legislative sources are listed below.
Download the template
The full register is available as a PDF. It covers 14 obligation areas across liquor licensing, club governance, gaming machines, gambling harm minimisation, tobacco, food safety and more - with legislative source references, ready to be adapted for the club's specific circumstances and governance structure.
Need help?
If your club needs assistance building or reviewing its licensing obligations register, conducting a compliance review, or preparing for an audit or review, contact LCA - we work with registered clubs across NSW and are ready to help.
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Copyright: Unless otherwise indicated, copyright in all materials contained on this webpage and the attached register is owned by LLANE ADVISORY PTY LTD t/as Lane Consulting & Advisory (LCA). You may use the materials contained in this document for your personal use. No part of the materials however may be reproduced, adapted, published or communicated for commercial use without prior written permission of LCA and you must provide appropriate attribution to LCA, the author of the publication and when and where it was first published if such commercial use is authorised.
Disclaimers: The material contained in this webpage and the attached register is provided by LCA. The contents of this webpage and the attached register do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other professional advice. LCA makes no warranties or representations about the material contained in these documents.