Venues urged to prioritise student safety during O-Week 2026
With O‑Week starting from this week, Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) is encouraging licensed venues to help create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for students kicking off their university journey.
Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at L&GNSW, Dimitri Argeres, said venues play a vital role in helping students celebrate responsibly.
“O‑Week is an exciting time for new and returning students, and licensed venues are central to helping them have a positive and memorable start to the year,” Mr Argeres said.
“By sticking to responsible service practices, ensuring age ID checks and keeping safety front-of-mind, venues can support a great experience for everyone.”
L&GNSW inspectors will be out across the state during O‑Week to provide guidance, answer questions and make sure promotions and events meet regulatory standards. “We’re here to support venues and help them meet their obligations,” Mr Argeres said.
“Universities hold O-Week this week or during the coming weeks before university starts. They are all about having fun, but it is important that venues remember their obligations to ensure the safety of students, staff and the broader community.”
Venues are reminded to avoid promotions that encourage rapid or prolonged consumption of alcohol.
L&GNSW has uncovered some recent “happy hour” style promotions running over extended timeframes. This included a promotion at a Wollongong venue that offered $5 beers and wines over a 21-hour period. The venue was ordered to reduce the length of the promotion.
For more information, visit the Liquor & Gaming NSW website.
Liquor & Gaming NSW, 10th February 2026
