Red tape reduction welcomed by hotel industry

The Bill will help remove unnecessary costs on small business and is a particular benefit for regional hotels – which would have been hard hit by additional red tape measures included in the previous legislation.

The Bill removes ATM restrictions which would have hurt food and beverage sales at hotels (Australian Bureau of Statistics figures confirm that 70 per cent of hotel revenue comes from food and beverage sales).

AHA NSW CEO Paul Nicolaou said the federal government – particularly Minister for Social Services Kevin Andrews – should be congratulated on delivering a pre-election commitment with bi-partisan support.

"This sensible legislation gets rid of reams of unnecessary red tape and duplications for small business right across Australia not only in NSW," Nicolaou said.

"Red tape is strangling small business and it's good to see that finally acknowledged.

Country and regional hotels are especially pleased.

"The federal government is also to be commended on its realistic strategies to combat problem gambling – and for consulting with stakeholders on this important issue.

"It is particularly pleasing to see both sides of politics support this important measure."