Join with your colleagues for a pivotal conference on liquor and gaming regulation in NSW, under the esteemed chairmanship of Judge Gillian Eldershaw. Legal luminaries and industry and association experts in liquor and gaming, will present critical updates on compliance standards, noise management and advancements in responsible gaming. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with key stakeholders and deepen your knowledge of current regulatory developments.

Presenters

Bruce Bulford, Principal, Bulford Legal
Bruce Bulford is the principal of Bulford Legal, specialising in liquor and gaming law in NSW since 1985. He is a recognised liquor and gaming law expert. Bruce is the author of the loose-leaf text, Liquor Licensing Law & Practice (NSW), published by Thomson Reuters. Bruce is also an Associate Member of the AHA (NSW Branch), providing a valuable contribution to the Association.


John Green, Director, Liquor and Policing, Australian Hotels Association
As the Director of Liquor & Policing with AHA NSW, John engages with stakeholders, advocates for the hotel industry, and develops evidence-based strategies on liquor and policing issues. He represents the association on local and state government committees addressing topics like liquor accords and Sydney nightlife, and he serves as the media spokesperson. Previously, John spent 26 years with the NSW Police Force, overseeing the response to alcohol-related crime and specialising in areas such as counterterrorism and crisis management.


Tony Schwartz, Director and Principal, BSV Liquor and Gaming Lawyers
Tony Schwartz is a prominent figure in the liquor and hospitality industry, known for providing practical solutions and precise legal counsel to major licensed businesses including Australia's largest liquor retailer, 2 of its largest hotel chains and 4 of its major international liquor importers and producers. Practising as a solicitor since 1979, Tony has dedicated his career to the liquor and gaming sector, authoring the textbook McDonald’s Liquor and Gaming Laws of NSW for over 34 years. Tony has led teams of specialist lawyers and staff at his current practice BSV Liquor and Gaming Lawyers and previously as a principal at Back Schwartz Vaughan Lawyers for over 31 years. Prior to late 1993, he was a partner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, where he developed his expertise in the liquor and gaming industry. Recently, Tony has undertaken significant work for major sporting venues in New South Wales, international accommodation hotels, and has been involved in defending prosecutions and complaints instigated by the Police and the Compliance Branch of Liquor & Gaming NSW. Tony frequently receives instructions from major operators in the hospitality industry, other legal firms, planning consultants, registered clubs and architects. His clients include both large and niche businesses in the retail, wholesale, and production sectors of the liquor industry including advising on large-scale projects or developments in Greater Sydney and across the regional areas of New South Wales. He has represented clients in every legal jurisdiction in New South Wales, addressing a broad spectrum of licensing and gaming issues. He is recognised and appears as an expert witness, unless representing one of the parties involved. His extensive experience and professionalism have earned him widespread recognition within the private and government hospitality and liquor jurisdictions.


Kenneth Yardy, Special Legal Counsel, Australian Hotels Association
Kenneth Yardy is the Principal Solicitor of Yardy Legal, which has specialised in the Liquor & Gaming Area for nearly 20 years. Prior to that Kenneth was a NSW Police Detective & then a National Security Manager for a large Media Group. Their firm specialises in providing support to small & medium size hospitality enterprises such as Hotels, Clubs, Restaurants and Large-Scale Events. In between dealing with million dollar hotel transactions, partnerships disputes and Police/LGNSW prosecutions, he would like to see a greater scope for dogs to be allowed in strata as well as licensed premises (at the discretion of the licensee).


Her Honour Judge Gillian Eldershaw, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)
Her Honour Judge Eldershaw is a Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) in the Sydney Registry. Her Honour was appointed to the Court in April 2022 after many years in practice, of which 14 years were at the NSW Bar specialising in family law and employment-related disciplinary matters, investigations and public inquiries. In 2004, Her Honour graduated from the University of Sydney with First Class Honours in Law and, for the next few years, was a solicitor at Allens Arthur Robinson (as it then was), where she worked as a commercial litigator. In conjunction with her judicial duties, Her Honour was a Member of the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority which oversaw the licensing of Crown Casino after the 2021 Bergin Review and other Royal Commissions, and the Inquiry into the Star Casino.


Susie Pietrantonio, Manager Sound Compliance,
Susie Pietrantonio is the Manager of the Sound Compliance & Enforcement team at Liquor & Gaming NSW and has six years’ experience working within the liquor and gaming compliance directorate. Prior to this, Susie spent 13 years in the New South Wales Police Force in a specialist command.


Pedro Garcia, A/Chief Investigator,
Pedro Garcia has over 15 years’ experience in the New South Wales Police Force, more recently as a Detective investigating organised and serious crime attached to the State Crime Command. He is currently in the Liquor & Gaming NSW Investigations team as A/Chief Investigator with over five years regulatory and enforcement experience.