SURFAIR’S UP AS SUNSHINE PROPERTY GROWTH CONTINUES
As the Sunshine State property market continues to heat up, the popular Surfair Beach Hotel is testing the waters. Like the other eastern States, Queensland is experiencing major development, particularly in areas that benefit from the booming tourism industry and
GABS HOTTEST 100 BEER LIST FOR 2016 SHOWS ‘EVOLVING’ TASTES
Australia Day saw the countdown of the iconic Triple J Hottest 100, and the 2016 instalment of the increasingly essential GABS Hottest 100 list of craft beers in Australia. The diverse list is a window into the ever-changing preferences of
GAMING EXPO ANNOUNCED FOR AUGUST
The Gaming Technologies Association has announced dates for this year’s Australasian Gaming Expo, which is set to be yet again one of the world’s largest gaming technology events. Set to showcase over 200 exhibitors across 17,000+ square metres of the
LEGAL COMMITTEE HEARS WIDE-SPREAD CONDEMNATION FOR LOCKOUT LAWS
In a few weeks Queensland’s government will put forward proposals for State-wide lockouts and trade restrictions – despite mounting evidence and calls to not cripple the hospitality industry. A travelling parliamentary committee is conducting hearings into the upcoming legislation proposal,
LICENSEE AND STAFF PUNISHED FOR BREACHES
An OLGR sting has brought about convictions and fines for licensing breaches for the licensee and a bartender at the New England Hotel. Inspectors from the Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing (OLGR) conducted a covert inspection of the Armidale
TICKET TO BREW
Amid emerging experts in everything from tastebuds to taxis, international judge, celebrated brewer, lecturer, author and beer boffin Neal Cameron ponders the perils of enthusiasm versus expertise. So you go to a restaurant, and whilst perusing the menu you
IRIS BUYS ‘PROJECT’ PARRAMATTA HOTEL FOR $38m
Iris Group has kicked off 2016, purchasing a Parramatta hotel “as a development” for $38 million. Located a stone’s throw from Rosehill Racecourse, the Mercure Parramatta boasts 165 rooms atop a bar, recreation and function spaces. The Australian implied Iris
COWARDS CONTINUE TO KING-HIT IN PUBS
The gutless so-called ‘coward’s punch’ continues to be the weapon of choice for too many drunken men, as Australian pubs continue to bear the brunt of the ugliness. This week has seen news on two more testosterone-charged assaults involving cowards
PRESS SHOWS VIOLENCE NOT AN AUSTRALIAN PROBLEM
Disturbingly violent incidents continue unabated in the British Isles, offering perspective on the frequency and severity of Australia’s eulogised “epidemic” of violence. UK media issues almost daily reports of alcohol-fuelled violence at licensed premises between highly intoxicated people. The majority
INDUSTRY ATTACKS ANOTHER FARE LIQUOR FAUX PAS
FARE has released another campaign targeting suppliers of liquor, claiming they “exploit” and are “dependent” on problem drinkers. The Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education just released its “Risky Business” initiative. It bases its accusations on a 2014 article in