The New South Wales government will review the rules that govern the institution of Sydney’s small bars with George Souris – the Hospitality Minister – suggesting that they contribute to issues in areas like Kings Cross. The 2008 State Parliament laws make it quicker and cheaper to establish small bars by eliminating application fees and red tape.

Clove Moore, Sydney’s lord mayor and Member of Parliament led the push, but faced strong opposition from the hotel industry which said that they would practice the standards of responsible alcohol service. The death of Thomas Kelly – a teenager and the response of the government to the violence in Kings Cross saw Mr. Souris give an interview in which he said that the surveillance, supervision and compliance levels were very low in small bars. The bigger bars associated with gambling have better surveillance and supervision as compared to the smaller venues.

Mr. Souris’ main concern was regarding the impact of small bars’ “proliferation” that surrounded Kings Cross after the law was changed. The proliferation was among the contributors to problems of violence related to alcohol in Kings Cross, according to Mr. Souris.

The importance of responsible service of alcohol has increased all the more following these events in Australia. Anyone wishing to work in the hospitality industry must have the necessary certification that prepares them to take informed decisions with regard to the service of alcohol and handling of on-premise alcohol-related incidences.