This alert was originally emailed directly to all licensees on 21 June 2023
Recent updates have been made to the Liquor Promotion Guidelines and the Intoxication Guidelines to reflect the Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) regulatory approach towards the sale and supply of kava at NSW licensed premises.
Kava is a substance that acts as a central nervous system depressant. NSW Health advice recommends against the consumption of kava and alcohol at the same time. There is evidence that this can cause intoxication, increased drowsiness, impaired reflexes and liver damage. More information on the effects of kava can be found at Kava clinical factsheet.
To address the risk associated with consuming alcohol with kava at NSW licensed premises, L&GNSW has updated the Liquor Promotion Guidelines. From 1 July 2023, licensees will be restricted from conducting any activity that encourages the consumption of kava and alcohol in a single drinking session. L&GNSW considers that such consumption contravenes Principle 6 (Irresponsible, Rapid or Excessive Consumption) and goes against the responsible service of alcohol practices.
In addition to the update to the Liquor Promotion Guidelines, L&GNSW has also made changes to the Intoxication Guidelines to note that licensees should be aware that other substances, such as kava, when mixed with alcohol, can cause increased intoxication.
