Cruise ship operators offered alcohol workshops
The New South Wales government is to invite international cruise operators to take part in workshops on drink spiking awareness and responsible drinking aboard ship.
NSW Gaming and Racing Minister Grant McBride said today that although NSW had no jurisdiction over international waters, “it is clear something needs to be done to protect citizens on cruises departing from Australia”.
Mr McBride said he had asked the state’s Director of Liquor and Gaming to write to international cruise operators who port in NSW, inviting them to take part in the workshops to be run by the NSW office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing.
“RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) training is compulsory for all bar and security staff in NSW, yet cruise operators have staff serving drinks in an irresponsible manner,” he said.
“Accepting this offer would be a positive step forward for an industry that has been exposed for facilitating irresponsible practices – the ball is in their court.”
Mr McBride said it was also time for the federal government to address the problem.
“The regulation of this industry extends beyond one state,” he said.
“I will be preparing for the next meeting of state and territory ministers calling on the federal government to take responsibility of this issue, and regulate cruise ships who port in Australia.”
P&O, meanwhile, has refused to drop its policy of paying bar staff a commission on drink sales.
Graham Muldoon
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025