The New South Wales Government is delivering on its election commitment and will remove external gambling signs from pubs and clubs across the state by September 1.
The ban of VIP signage comes after the government introduced legislation in the first sitting week of the new parliament to ban clubs with pokies from donating to NSW political parties.
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Pubs and clubs will be formally notified from next week all external gambling-related signs, including fixed unilluminated awning signs to digital video displays, will need to be removed, altered, or concealed before September 1.
Venues which may experience delays outside of their control from removing signage will be granted a three-month extension if they have adequate evidence to prove why. Following this period, a zero-tolerance approach will be adopted.
Names such as VIP Room/VIP Lounge, Golden Room/Lounge, Players’ Room/Lounge Prosperity Room/Lounge will be among names banned as well as images of dragons, coins, or lightning motifs.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said the NSW government was committed to introducing “important gambling harm-minimisation measures”
“The facades of pubs and clubs across the state are littered with signs such as ‘VIP lounge’ to alert those walking or driving by that they have gaming machines.
“While there are already laws in place that prohibit gaming related signage, venue operators have circumvented these by advertising “VIP Lounges”. We are putting an end to this loophole for the health and wellbeing of our communities.”
A maximum penalty of up to $11,000 per offence will be given to venues who fail to adhere to the near legislation.
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