Once you've got your bar, club or licensed venue up and running, keeping up to date with the latest industry news and regulations is essential, not just to make sure you know about any relevant law changes, but so you can stay ahead of your peers and keep up with industry trends.One of the best ways to do this is to join relevant industry bodies which will open the door to a range of valuable business resources. Through industry bodies you can find suppliers, connect with other businesses, make new contacts and generate new business. Industry bodies can also lobby on your behalf when it comes to law and regulation changes, which is particularly pertinent in the nightclub and bar industry as liquor licensing and laws are a topic of constant debate throughout Australia.Here are a few of the industry bodies that are relevant to the night club and bar industry which could be invaluable to you and the growth of your business:
The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) is the national voice of Australia's vibrant hotel and hospitality industry, which represents over 5,000 members across Australia, the majority of which are pubs and taverns.The AHA aims to represent the interests of the hotel industry to government at a local, state and government level, lobbying on issues regarding workplace relations, tourism, gambling policy, taxation and business regulation.The association, which has been around since 1839, provides plenty of resources to hospitality and tourism businesses, including a workplace assistance kit, host awards and industry events. Each state and territory has its own faction you can join – find out how by clicking your state or territory on the AHA home page.
The Drinks Association is a trade association operating within the Australian drinks industry, specialising in providing high quality information and services. The non-profit association was founded in 1897, and is currently lead by its board of directors and CEO Sandra Przibilla. The organisation provides a range of exclusive information to the liquor and drinks industry, including daily industry updates, a monthly newsletter and a business tool kit. It also publishes Drinks Trade, the highest-circulating liquor industry magazine in Australia, with a business focused editorial.Drinks Association also provides a number of resources including guides on licenses and HR to keep its members informed with the latest information and educated on their rights and responsibilities as members of the liquor industry. Find out more on their website.
Clubs Australia is the peak industry body representing the interests of licensed clubs across Australia, including but not limited to bowls, golf, RSL, and ethnic and workers clubs, all of which sell alcohol. Clubs Australia provides advice to its members on workplace relations, legislative compliance with liquor, smoking and gaming regulations and federal taxation. Even if your bar isn't part of a community club, getting involved with your state representative Clubs Australia body is a great way to access a range of resources and information kits, as well as connect with the communities around you.Each state member association may also help with recruitment, as well as running a number of industry awards and member events.Find your Clubs Australia association here.
Restaurant and Catering Australia is the national association that represents the interests of over 35,000 restaurants and catering businesses across Australia. It's committed to ensuring the industry is recognised as one of excellence, professionalism, profitability and sustainability. R&CA campaigns and lobbies at all levels of government to ensure the views of its members are heard in the public sphere. If your bar serves food, then we encourage you to join your state association, with the group lobbying on behalf of establishments which serve food and alcohol to create a more competitive market. Each state association also provides a plethora of resources to help you start and manage your business, with guides on licensing, workplace relations and education.Check out more about them through their website.
To learn more about owning a bar, check out the following articles:Australian Bar Licences and Permits You Will NeedGet Your Bar the Attention It Deserves with a Killer Marketing Strategy*Build Your Team: Hiring and Managing Bar Staff