Congratulations to Noosa Sportfishing Lodge on the approval of the liquor license for their lodge – an approved Short Term Accommodation Dwelling and a luxury haven for anglers complete with jetty river access, in-house catering, and now fully licensed to complement the plentiful fish caught on your charters.

RG Strategic worked with Noosa Sportfishing Lodge to develop the application and relevant RAMP for the liquor license application securing a successful result – the first liquor license for a Short Term Accommodation dwelling in Noosa.

If you have any liquor licensing requirements or issues, contact the RG Strategic team today.

Find out more about what Noosa Sportfishing Lodge has to offer in the video below.

The post A first for liquor licenses in Noosa appeared first on RG Strategic.

Development application and infrastructure fees halved

The announcement includes the halving of development application fees for bars, theatres, nightclubs, or hotels in the Nambour Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP).

Council have also halved the infrastructure charges for developments in the area.

This means that for a 200sqm nightclub, for instance, the savings could be in the vicinity of $38,400. Not chump change.

The Nambour SEP was created to give operators greater certainty about their operating conditions, especially music venues.

For the Nambour SEP, it means venues are exempt from the amplified music noise requirements of the Queensland Government’s liquor licensing laws.

The SEP includes two buffer zones to protect surrounding neighbours from sound spill.

Time and dollar limits apply

The incentives are in place until June 2025 but are limited to a maximum of $10 million.

Incentive approvals are also granted on a first-in, first-served basis, so if you have been eyeing an opportunity in the Nambour SEP, it’s time to make your move.

Entertainment precinct town planning solutions

RG Strategic are your expert town planners who can assist you with all aspects of your development applications.

Contact us today to discuss your project and how we can help.

The post New development incentives for Nambour Special Entertainment Precinct appeared first on RG Strategic.

This is just a small selection of projects out of the many the team has worked on in 2021, but these projects stick in our minds. They were either unique, challenging in a particular way, important for the local community, or just really fun to work on.

Come back throughout the month to see more projects as we add them here.

Twelfth Day – “Café Le Monde”

Since ‘86 Café Le Monde has greeted early risers, fresh from their first-morning surf, with famed coffees and delicious breakfast treats, and bid good night to many a late-night reveller at the end of our live music gigs. Working around the clock to serve tasty food at fair prices to locals and visitors alike, we’re proud of our history and honoured to be thought of as a Hastings Street icon.

RG Strategic worked with CLM and Frank Macchia, their design team, to deliver a project that befits the location, history and reputation of CLM.  Town planning applications were lodged and negotiated to deliver a new look, feel and open welcomeness to the pods and rooftop space.

Council officers supported the application with approval in December and we are now working towards a 2022 commencement of construction.

“I have contracted Russell Green for town planning matters during the past 8 years. Russell and RG Strategic are very knowledgeable and professional. They provide a thorough and effective service managing council applications. The approvals process can be stressful and costly – Russell and his team absorb a lot of the stress. They communicate well so you can sleep at night! I am happy to recommend RG Strategic.”

Ryan Taylor

Eleventh Day – “Sum Yung Guys”

RG Strategic worked with Sum Yung Guys for five years on all of their projects, looking after all approvals, liquor licensing, town planning, food premises. For their new venture we looked at the existing building the team had chosen and what was required.

An internal refresh and refurb ensuring an exceptional customer experience were paramount. Adding new external toilets provided more internal dining space, but to achieve this we required a change to the existing town planning approval for the new amenities. How this could be achieved around existing large eucalypts was one of the challenges we faced. We developed a construction management plan and techniques to minimise any disturbance to the trees and their roots helping to maintain their integrity. Council supported our approach and subsequently granted our town planning approval.

Internally we amended the existing liquor licence and transferred it to SYG, modified and improved the kitchen including a new cold room, and gaining Council food premises sign off.

The new building and ongoing partnership with SYG is one that enables the team at SYG to do what they do well. The team at RG Strategic help SYG manage and ensure operational compliance for all liquor and food licensing requirements.

The team at Sum Yung Guys has been using RG Strategic for over 5 years now with the multiple ventures we have done. Russell is always our first call when we have any questions regarding licensing, town planning, compliance and complaints or council questions. RG Strategic have always been forthcoming in answering and assisting us at Godspeed. Nothing has ever been too big or small for them to assist and accomplish for us and will continue to work with to accomplish anything we require. We look forward to continuing our relationship and having them assist us in the future and would recommend them highly to anyone needing assistance.

Team SYG

Tenth Day – “Paradise Rum”

What’s a beautiful coastal location like ours without its own rum distillery? That was a question the founders of Paradise Rum had asked when they came to RG Strategic to help them with the establishment of a distillery come bar in Warana on the Sunshine Coast.

Our challenge was to keep the town planning to within current allowances (accepted development) in the existing industrial building. The team at RG also assisted with the establishment of the distillery including liaison with the Government for an excise licence, and a strategy for growth starting with small scale distillation with capacity and ability to grow.

The recently opened venue has enjoyed great success already and we are now assisting with applications for future expansion.

Russell and the team at RG Strategic were most helpful assisting our business Paradise Rum to navigate the challenges associated with obtaining our liquor licenses, food premise, building and plumbing approvals. The team kept us up to date with every step of the process. We will have no hesitation utilising their services with our future projects.

Chris Clyne – Paradise Rum

Ninth Day – “The Barrel”

The Barrel is an iconic tourist attraction at Clouds Vineyards Maleny. 2021 saw The Barrel receive a much-needed refurbishment and expansion with a new exterior; complete renovation, fit-out and refurbishment internally.

New indoor function areas on both levels of the building were also added along with new wine tasting and bar areas.

A new commercial kitchen was also built and an adventure playground for the kids was added as well.

RG Strategic have been working with the Clouds Group for a number of years, assisting with all aspects of town planning and development applications helping bring their vision and dreams to fruition. This has included town planning applications for their eco-resort including a function room, café and restaurant, and accommodation, liquor license applications, food premises applications, building and plumbing applications.

The Clouds Group looks to establish long term partnerships with the consultancies we use for our properties. RG Strategic and Russell Green has been the perfect fit for us now for over 5 years. Their skilled town planners are able to cover off on all aspects of our development applications including liquor licensing, food premises, building and plumbing. With Russell’s extensive local knowledge and strong tourism and development background we know all of our venues are in safe hands. We will be continuing our partnership with RG Strategic well into the future.

Clouds Group

Eighth Day – “Noosa Council Short Term Accommodation Changes”

One of the biggest jobs this year for the team has been delving into Noosa Council’s Short Term Accommodation Town Planning and Local Laws changes. From the initial period of public comment in April, analysing the proposed changes to determine the impacts on STA operators, assisting current operators meet compliance, and now, as the changes are final, helping operators and property owners meet the stringent requirements put in place by council.

Our team continues to work with operators in securing their continued operations by preparing and managing all of their application requirements as the new Local Laws commence in 2022.

You can read more about our Noosa Council Short Term Accommodation Local Laws work here.

I can’t recommend highly enough Russell Green (Town Planning Consultant) and his team at RG Strategic. Noosa is challenged currently by proposed changes to our town plan, which will potentially seriously impact our future economic growth. As a manager of one of Queensland’s largest luxury accommodation providers, based in Noosa and representing more than 200 individual property investors, Russell has been an invaluable resource as we seek to ensure they are well informed as to these proposed impacts to their property values and use. His experience as a Councillor and Planner within Council gives him unique access and insight which serves to save time and cost when seeking his advice and expertise.

Sue Willis, Managing Director, R&W Noosa Holidays

Seventh Day – “Tingirana”

Tingirana, a stunning unit complex right on the beach at Noosa, caters to both live in apartment owners and managed accommodation units.

The managers of the accommodation component wanted to provide the next level of indulgence for their guests. They approached RG Strategic to help them obtain a liquor license that would allow them to serve alcohol in the complex common areas such as the pool and reception areas.

Liquor licenses are normally not approved for strata-titled complexes unless all owners agree to the operation of bar services on the premises. RG Strategic was able to make an argument allowing the license to be granted without full owner approval.

RG Strategic delivered a rare liquor license for the management rights owners allowing them to provide alcohol in the strata-titled complex’s common areas.

Sixth Day – “Bounce Noosa”

Bounce Noosa opened its doors to visitors in 2021. The upmarket hostel-style development was the first to find a way to make an old site viable for an accommodation venture.

The unique solution involved building Noosaville’s first underground carpark using a unique solution from Flow Defense. The installation of an innovative flood barrier allowed Bounce Hostel to provide the required car parking and ensure the site aboveground stayed sympathetic to the locality and environment.

RG Strategic delivered RG Strategic the Material Change of Use (MCU) application and the Operational Works (OPW) application. We prepared and submitted all paperwork for the Liquor Licence, Food Premises Licence, Building Approval, and Plumbing Approval.

Read more about the project in our Bounce Noosa Town Planning Case Study.

“We have worked with Russell and his team for the last four years on a project in Noosaville. The level of service, guidance and regular advice helped navigate the way through a complicated project. I can highly recommend RG Strategic and I look forward to working with them in the future.”

Mark Baldwin – Bounce Noosa

Fifth Day – “Belvedere on Pearl”

Belvedere on Pearl is a stunning new townhouse development in Cooroy nestled in the Noosa Hinterland.

An exclusive collection of 11 residences is being developed where the focus is on a low maintenance lifestyle without compromise.

In addition to all town planning, operational works applications, and conditions negotiations specific to the development, we were able to solve major stormwater site issues. It allowed the developer to proceed with the development while still meeting all local council stipulations.

Russell and the Team at RG Strategic went above and beyond to ensure a smooth and efficient application and approval process on our townhouse development in Cooroy. Russell helped solve significant stormwater issues by coordinating meetings and correspondence with the Councils engineering team ultimately leading to operation works approval far quicker than our program allowed for. I highly recommend Russell to anyone seeking planning advice on the Sunshine Coast.

Josh Overell – Belvedere on Pearl

Fourth Day – “The Junction Coolum”

The developers of The Junction Coolum presented RG Strategic with a town planning challenge. The previous development application had lapsed but the developer’s timeline meant there was no time to run through a new application process.

The team at RG reviewed the lapsed application and council requirements and delivered a solution cutting the usual development application timeline by months.

Read more about the project in our The Junction Coolum overview.

RG Strategic delivered all town planning application requirements including the Change of Use application to deliver the project efficiently, and the Operational Works Application.

“The prompt advice and expertise of the RG Strategic team at the town planning stage, has allowed us to push forward with our developments far quicker than we had expected, through a far shorter Council approval process, and this has resulted in significant cost savings. This prompt and valuable advice has extended to the operational works and hydraulics requirements of the development, and we look forward to a long relationship with RG Strategic.”

Hayden Rooney – The Junction Coolum

Third Day – “Noosa Enduro”

Noosa Enduro is a chance for Noosa to shine on the national cycling stage. Having been on hiatus for 10 years the event returned for a COVID-19 shortened run in 2021.

The event is back for 2022 and RG Strategic has again come onboard providing tourism and event advice and support

By supporting Noosa Enduro with risk management, permits, and approvals, we help the organisers focus on what they are good at… putting on a world-class event right here in our own backyard.

“When we made the decision to re-launch the Noosa Enduro, Russell and his team at RG Strategic was the first phone call we made. Russell’s immense knowledge of the local council landscape and processes were vital to our event to ensure correct planning, applications and permits were in place. The professionalism shown throughout all of our high-level dealings and documents elevated our event and helped provide confidence to all key stakeholders. I’m thrilled we made the decision to engage Russell and the team at RG Strategic and I will remain a client for many years to come.”

Matt Wilson – Noosa Enduro

Second Day – “Noosa Learn to Surf”

Noosa Learn to Surf school was established in 1995 by former 2 x Australian and World Pro Am Champion, Merrick Davis and is Noosa’s longest-running surf school.

Merrick and his team deliver undoubtedly some of the best surf lessons in Australia. We jumped at the chance to assist Noosa Learn to Surf secure commercial access to public lands to continue what is an iconic Noosa business.

RG Strategic undertook the preparation of their 2021 tender application to Noosa Council for a permit to have commercial use of public lands for their surf school. This included preparation and collation of all council tender document requirements including developing a new Environmental Procurement Policy.

We have had the pleasure of working with Russell and his team for over 8 years. Russell has been instrumental in helping us secure many Council tender submissions which can be extremely stressful, daunting and time-consuming when done on your own. Russell’s knowledge of local council laws and processes are second to none. We have confidently recommended RG Strategic to other businesses in the past and will continue to do so. Russell is the utmost professional, easy to talk to and overall a great guy. We look forward to engaging Russell in our next Council tender application.”

Merrick & Elissa Davis – Noosa Learn to Surf

First Day – “BIRD  .”

BIRD . is without a doubt the finest in charcoal chicken Noosa and the Sunshine Coast has to offer. We spoke to Chris and Peter about their uncompromising vision and what their dream was when conceiving BIRD.

For us, this project hinged on their vision… from the specific rotisserie imported direct from Spain (that had to be installed before the front wall of the shop could be constructed), the select chickens and charcoal… and the fact that you can pick up a bottle of Montrachet wine with your chook endeared the team wholeheartedly to this project.

A great project and a great addition to the Noosa culinary selections.

RG Strategic provided assistance with Food Premises, Liquor Licensing, Plumbing Applications, and Project Management.

“Working with Russell was a breeze. We weren’t on-site every day. But we just let it run, and they all knew what to do. It was a very pleasant experience.”

BIRD  .

Start your 2022 project right…

Talk to the team at RG Strategic about your town planning, liquor licensing, building development, or tourism and event needs today.

The post Our 12 Days of Projects 2021 appeared first on RG Strategic.

The government has announced they plan to make rules allowing restaurants to sell takeaway wines permanent.

Licensed restaurants that also offer on-premises dining will be allowed to sell takeaway or delivery wine, with a maximum limit of 1.5 litres of wine – or two bottles – sold with a meal between 10am and 10pm.

These rules are set to become permanent.

In order to comply the alcohol will only be allowed to be sold if accompanied by a “substantial meal”. They are excluding things like snacks and we will wait and see if any further clarification is provided on what constitutes a substantial meal. Is a large serve of chips a meal or a snack.

Since the alcohol can be supplied for both takeaway and delivery orders, businesses have to have procedures in place to ensure the identification of online customers to prevent alcohol from being sold to minors.

For restaurants with an existing liquor licence the fee for a permanent takeaway liquor license condition will be waived until June 30, 2022.

If you need assistance with any takeway liquor licensing matters, contact RG Strategic today.

Photo by Scott Warman on Unsplash

The post Takeaway wine from restaurants to be made a permanent rule appeared first on RG Strategic.

RG Strategic’s town planners worked tirelessly on the project to get it off the ground and ensure consistent progress.

Check out the video and images below. Congratulations to Bounce Noosa and Sunshine Coast commercial builders Build4U for a job well done bringing this project to life.

RG Strategic assisted with the Material Change of Use (MCU) application and the Operational Works (OPW) application. We prepared and submitted all paperwork for the Liquor Licence, Food Premises Licence, Building Approval, and Plumbing Approval.

To read more about how Bounce Noosa came to be, check out our case study on the development project, which also discusses the challenges faced by the developer, and our interview with Mark Baldwin, GM of the group developing Bounce Noosa.

The post Bounce Noosa welcoming guests appeared first on RG Strategic.

BIRD came to RG Strategic with an uncompromising dream.

It was a dream borne from what some would call a macabre vision… but it has delivered what is undoubtedly Noosa’s best takeaway chickens.

Chris and Peter spent over 65 years in the fashion industry between them. When their last fashion project finished, they looked at each other and knew they were done with fashion.

“It was a great ride,” Chris says. “But it was time to do something different.”

The question was what.

A love for food and a macabre obsession becomes the inspiration.

“We have always loved good food. In the past, I have helped friends with catering businesses and worked in restaurants at times. I have always loved cooking for myself and my family,” Chris says.

“When we decided to call it quits on the fashion industry in Sydney, we knew we could only move to Noosa. It’s the one place you can get really good food,” she continued.

In discussions around what Chris and Peter were going to do next, food was at the core. And importantly, discussions kept coming back to Peter and his somewhat macabre inspiration for the next step in their business careers.

“I have always said that if I was on Death Row, my last meal would be a real charcoal chicken, a baguette with smoked butter and a fine bottle of burgundy,” he jokes. “And when we came to Noosa, we realised no one was doing really good, authentic charcoal chickens.”

Knowing what you don’t want

“When we first started looking at this idea, we knew what we wanted. We also knew what we didn’t want,” Chris says.

“We didn’t want to be on Hastings Street. It is too hard to get the facilities needed for a charcoal shop, but we wanted something that felt more ‘local’. We live here now and we want to be involved with the local community. And that’s when we found this site,” Chris says.

The site is a small shopfront in Noosa Junction previously used as a hairdressing salon. It is nestled amongst other restaurants and bars and seemed like the perfect location.

Where to start building the dream

Chris and Peter knew now was the time they needed help to progress the dream.

“We needed help with all the planning applications, the design and fit-out of the shopfront. And we needed someone up for a challenge because we found and bought this charcoal rotisserie in Spain we were getting shipped over. We had no idea how it was going to go in the shop,” Chris says.

Chris and Peter finally found someone when they were speaking to the owners of Puncheur Coffee Roasters who recommended Russell at RG Strategic.

Intriguing challenges

“I remember when Chris and Peter came to us,” Russell Green, Director of RG Strategic town planners, says.

“They had this really focused vision of what they wanted to do, which I loved. And then they had this crazy charcoal rotisserie from Spain, which they needed to accommodate in the shopfront they had found,” he continues.

“I was intrigued, to say the least.”

“Russell was brilliant with everything,” Chris says.

“We had to fit in the rotisserie and get extraction sorted for it. We needed a cold room space as well, and there were issues with plumbing and even 3 phase power which we needed.”

“The lease we signed stated that 3-phase power was available, but it wasn’t, so we had to wait to get that sorted as well.”

“But working with Russell was a breeze,” Chris says. “We were still running the other fashion business at this stage. So we had to be careful. We weren’t on-site every day. But we just let it run, and they all knew what to do. It was a very pleasant experience.”

Chris also says that perhaps RG Strategic was too efficient.

“I saw this email from Russell one day to Peter saying that our liquor license had been approved. I knew nothing of it. But Peter had apparently asked Russell to apply for a liquor license for us. That was a surprise, but now we are the only chicken shop in Noosa with a liquor license.”

“It was a delight working with Chris and Peter on BIRD, but there were certainly some issues to solve,” Russell says.

“It was a small old tenancy and we had to work closely with the building owner to overcome some issues we discovered during the process.”

“There were termites, asbestos, and insufficient power. We also had issues with construction going on at the tenancy next door at the same time. This caused some headaches in terms of site access. But Build4U was commissioned to do the construction and fit-out, and they did a great job dealing with any restrictions and issues we came across.”

“The liquor license was an interesting development,” Russell says.

“In passing, Peter asked if he could sell wine to take away. We knew this could be achieved in an off-premises liquor license where the sale of wine, cider, or beer with a meal to take away could be achieved. So that’s what we suggested. What we didn’t know was that this wasn’t part of the agreed vision between Chris and Peter. Not sure that was Peter’s best day. But it does mean that BIRD is the first takeaway chicken shop in Noosa to have a liquor license.”

Local architects Zest Design committed Chris and Peter’s vision to paper. With a background in interior design, Peter already had a clear vision for how the shop should look, and there was no expense spared. From the “chicken-wire” windows, the single hydraulic lift front window, the substrate for the counter, the unique subway tiles on the walls to the amazing rotisserie centerpiece. Zest’s biggest challenge was fitting all the facilities and amenities needed in the shop around the rotisserie.

Of course, a bigger issue for everyone was getting the rotisserie into the shop when it finally arrived from Barcelona.

“That was an exercise in itself,” Chris says. “We had to get it off the truck and then into the shop. This meant that we had to get it in before we finished building the front counter.”

A bird delivered with a singular vision

BIRD is now operating and offers a true representation of Chris and Peter’s uncompromising dream.

They sought out the best free-range chickens from Elgin Valley, crusty baguettes from Tanglewood Organic Baking Co., and a selection of wines selected by Peter for their quality and ability to complement the smoky yet delicate flavour of the charcoal chickens.

To give the right smokiness, Peter has sourced a range of charcoal, including mangrove charcoal. This is sorted and stacked by size to allow the perfect stoking of the charcoal rotisserie every morning when the first batch of chickens go in the oven.

Chris prepares the smoked butter in-house and a single daily salad based on the freshest in-season produce. Their gravy is also made in-house using the drippings from the cooking birds to give it a rich homemade flavour complementing the roasted chat potatoes perfectly.

“You must try the potatoes,” Chris says. “We cook them in the rotisserie along with the chickens. They get so crispy and full of flavour.”

“We don’t cut corners. We are not that kind of people,” Chris says.

The simplicity and quality of what’s on offer at BIRD is a testament to Chris and Peter’s uncompromising vision. BIRD has added yet another dimension to the food offerings at Noosa Junction. From the quality of the produce to the lovingly crafted smoked butter, the crusty bread, and a wine selection to suit every budget — including those with expensive tastes — BIRD is a must-try for authentic charcoal chicken.

Ready to build your dream?

RG Strategic is proud to have assisted Chris and Peter with all town planning, plumbing, food premises, and liquor licensing applications.

Talk to the expert town planners at RG Strategic today if you have a dream that you wish to make a reality.

For expert town planning assistance and support with your next food or hospitality project, talk to RG Strategic today.

The post How do you build an uncompromising dream? appeared first on RG Strategic.

The government highlighted several benefits of the new type of license including:

• no limit to how much of your own product can be sold on your premises;
• an option to showcase and sell samples of your wares at promotional events such as farmer’s markets, food festivals, and agricultural shows;
• the ability to sell your product as takeaway, including online; and
• an authorisation to apply for a permit to sell your products at a public event, such as a music festival.

We’ve delved a little deeper to hunt out some of the benefits and features of this new license.

Check out the information below on:

• How much can I produce under this license
• What can I sell under the new license
• How much can I sell
• Trading hours allowed under the license
• How to transition to the new license

The biggest benefits we see are the allowable activities you can conduct under this one license, and importantly the one license fee. Another benefit is the simplification of the application process for this license versus previous options.

And importantly, the new license allows you to sell products from other producers opening up the opportunity for beneficial partnerships between makers of different products.

How much can I produce?

The license is restricted to producers who produce:

• more than 2,500 litres but less than 5 million litres craft beer in each financial year; and/or
• more than 400 litres but less than 450,000 litres of artisan spirits in each financial year

Both of these limits relate to what’s actually produced on the licensed premises.

What can I sell?

From the your licensed venue you can sell:

• your craft beer or artisan liquor
• other licensees’ craft beer, artisan liquor and Queensland wine (up to a maximum of 30% of total sales) for on-premises consumption only

Where can I sell my spirits or beer?

You can sell your products for consumption at the venue included in your application, which should be the location at which the product is produced..

You can also sell takeaway product for consumption away from the venue (only your product).

You can sell product online.

And if you apply for an artisan producer endorsement you can also sell your product for consumption away from the event – so no – you can’t set up a bar at the local market. You can however apply for the consumption of samples at the event. Once you have applied for, and been approved this endorsement, there is no limit to how many events you can attend. no further approval is needed.

How much can I sell?

There are no limits to how much of your own product you can sell at your venue but remember, the license is restricted to the production limits outlined above.

If you plan on selling other producers’ products as well, the total sales of these products has to be 30% or less of total sales. 

When can I trade under the artisan producer license?

There are different trading hours depending on the type of transaction it is.

• Wholesaler – You may sell liquor during the same trading hours as a non-exempt shop.
• Producer – You may serve liquor for consumption on the premises on any day on which the premises may be open between the hours of 10am to 12 midnight.
• Takeaway – You may sell artisan spirits and craft beer produced on the licensed premises for takeaway between the hours of 10am to 10pm only.

Existing Producer/Wholesaler Liquor License Holders – How to transition to the new license

The Queensland Government is trying to do the right thing here and will allow existing license holders to move to the new license if they wish, and they are trying to make it as easy as possible.

If you do wish to transition, you do so by completing Form 1 – Application for a liquor license.

If you complete this application by 30 June 2021 and there are no substantial changes to your business model, you won’t have to pay any extra fees for this transition.

If you choose to transition from your current producer/wholesaler license, it will be automatically cancelled when your artisan producer license is approved. 

For all liquor license application advice and consultancy, contact RG Strategic today.

The post Artisan Producer Liquor License – Great news for small distillers and brewers appeared first on RG Strategic.

The segment highlighted the luxury cottages and other accommodation options at Clouds Montville Retreat in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, as well as the local culinary options and wine experiences at the Barrel at Clouds Vineyard.

RG Strategic have been working with Clouds, assisting with all aspects of town planning and development applications helping bring their vision and dreams to fruititon.

We have assisted with:

• town planning applications for their eco-resort including a function room, café and restaurant, and accommodation
• liquor license applications
• food premises applications
• building and plumbing applications

If you missed it and would like to see what’s on offer at Clouds Montville and The Barrel, catch the episode below.

The post Tourism development coming to life appeared first on RG Strategic.

Hospitality operators are expecting an influx of over 5,000 students next week as celebrations ramp up. Accommodation providers are seeing increased bookings as reports from the Gold Coast state bookings there are down up to 80%.

We should welcome the influx of visitors, but as liquor license holders we also need to ensure we provide our services responsibly to ensure the safety of our patrons as well as abiding by the provision of our license.

Whilst most operators will be aware of their obligations it never hurts to revisit them and highlighting them to staff.

1. Follow the relevant industry COVID Safe Plan

While cases have dwindled in Queensland every venue is still obligated to follow the Approved COVID Safe Industry Plans that have been developed for our industry. Now is the time to review what those requirements are and ensure you have the resources on-hand to meet those requirements during the expected increase in patronage. Access the industry covid safe plans here.

2. Check IDs

We know this is a standard but be vigilant around this period. Many of the school leavers will be just under 18 years old. Your obligations to check IDs, prevent underage drinking and prevent the supply of alcohol to people underage remains in place. Ensure you have adequate policies in place to ensure no non-exempt minors are on the premises and that alcohol is not supplied to minors.

3. Refuse Service

Make sure all staff are aware of your processes for refusing a patron service including any obligation to document or log the incident. Equally, ensure they all know what the process is if you have to ban a patron from the venue. This isn’t about “drunks” but about unacceptable behaviour in the venue.

4. Compliance Signage

Ensure you have the relevant licensing signage clearly displayed for all patrons to view. Not only will it stipulate expectations and consequences but they are a great tool to reinforce any message to patrons engaging in unacceptable behaviour.

5. Water

You are obligated to provide potable water freely to all patrons and having clean containers available for that water. Ensure there is no risk of contamination for any containers or glasses you have available to the public.

6. Meals

If your venue has a subsidiary on-premises (meals) license allowing you to serve alcohol you must ensure you abide by the licensing requirements particular to that license. That includes meeting the relevant requirements where most patrons consume a meal at the premises and the requirements for where they consumed those meals and how they were served.

7. Brief Your Staff

Take this opportunity to brief your staff on all your obligations and requirements, including any fines for being in breach of your license conditions.

It’s your obligation

This is not a comprehensive checklist. As a licensee, you are obligated to ensure you comply with the laws relating to your license. But the points above should be a focus during the schoolies period.

Be proactive in having your policies and processes in place. This will allow you to confidently take advantage of the influx of visitors expected over the schoolies period.

If you have any questions concerning liquor licensing and your obligations and requirements, contact RG Strategic today.

The post Schoolies in Noosa – 7 Tips for Liquor License Holders appeared first on RG Strategic.

Client: Bounce Hostel (FUDA Enterprise Group)
Commenced: Material Change of Use (MCU) application lodged June 2018 – Approved March 2019, Operational Works (OPW) application lodged February 2019 – Approved June 2019
Services: Development Approval for Material Change of Use and Operational Works / Liquor Licence / Food Premises Licence / Building Approval / Plumbing Approval

Outline

Bounce Hostel engaged RG Strategic to assist in the development approval, liquor and food license, building and plumbing approvals.

READ MORE: Read our interview with Mark Baldwin, Group General Manager of FUDA Enterprise Group, the developers of Bounce Noosa Hostel

Challenges

A site zoned for hostel accommodation had proved difficult to develop as achieving potential maximum development yields (bed numbers and population) whilst still meeting the Noosa Town Planning Schemes provisions for GFA, Site Cover, and Building Height were problematic. Previous concepts presented by other developers struggled with the notion of supplying grade car parking to meet the town planning scheme requirements and then having sufficient site space left to provide a development footprint that achieved the best yields possible.

• Gross floor area and site cover constraints
• Carparking requirements

Outcome

Working closely with Bounce Hostel and Noosa Council, RG Strategic were able to creatively address the constraints on the subject site to ensure a viable development project for Bounce Hostels.

While the site was comprised of two lots, each lot was allowed a maximum building size (GFA) restricted to 600m2. This restriction didn’t allow Bounce Hostel adequate capacity, in a traditional form, with their offering of larger rooms and bigger amenity spaces.

RG Strategic developed a solution to the building size parameter of the Noosa Plan and requirements set by Council which in turn helped improve the viability of the project for Bounce.

RG worked on delivering four building pods to meet the density and site cover provisions, and overcame a tricky build over sewer challenge towards the rear of the block.

This “pod” style building layout gave Bounce Hostel the development yield required, met council’s requirements and was in line with their planning regulations.

To address car parking requirements, RG proposed the development of underground basement car parking, the first in Noosa, and addressed a flooding concern by proposing the installation of an innovative flood barrier.

The barrier, developed by Flow Defence in Australia, allowed Bounce Hostel to provide the required car parking and ensuring the site aboveground stayed sympathetic to the locality and environment.

RG Strategic chose the Flow Defence flood barrier for its ease of installation and importantly ease of maintenance and operation.

The town planning and building development solutions RG Strategic generated, ensured project viability for Bounce Hostels while meeting the needs of council and the surrounding community.

The project is scheduled for completion in late 2020.

From the Developer

“Developing a property like this is a complex process that is constantly changing. RG Strategic literally held our hand through the whole process. Great communication, incredible patience and constant support. I would highly recommend Russell and his Town Planning team from RG Strategic. They truly have played a big role in getting this project to where it is today.”
Mark Baldwin – Group General Manager of FUDA Enterprise Group – Bounce Hostel

READ MORE: Read our interview with Mark Baldwin, Group General Manager of FUDA Enterprise Group, the developers of Bounce Noosa Hostel

The post Client Project: Bounce Hostel, Noosaville appeared first on RG Strategic.

The resource outlines each of the 3 stages of easing of restrictions and has provided links and checklists for you to produce to enable compliance.

Information includes:

• COVID-19 Safe Checklist
• COVID Safe Training Course
• COVID-19 Safe Plan

Click here to access the resource.

At RG Strategic we are liaising closely with OLGR to have the latest up to date information for our Tourism and Hospitality clients. As a specialist Liquor Licence and Tourism consultant, we are available to discuss with you any matter that you require further info on.

The post How to be ready for the easing of COVID-19 restrictions appeared first on RG Strategic.

Based on exceptional service and traditional Italian cuisine, with a creative modern twist, Emilia’s has been a remarkable story of local success.

But even a strong business, like Emilia’s, has faced a reckoning with the advent of COVID-19 and the downturn in business it has brought with it.

Owner Jodi Giorno recalls not being too concerned initially.

“We had a strong business and I expected some downturn, but I had no doubt we would continue to trade,” Ms Giorno said.

But then government restrictions were put in place effectively shutting down the business.

“That was a gut punch,” Giorno recalls. “All of a sudden it seemed 17 years of hard work had been swept from under my feet.”

A chance to pause and rethink

“When the restrictions hit I had no choice but to close the doors. I had to stand down my staff. Some of them had been with me since the beginning,” Giorno continued.

“It was heartbreaking and initially I really felt for myself and the business. But eventually, I realised I didn’t want to give up that easily,” she says.

It’s a decision she thinks other people in the hospitality industry can make.

“I needed some time to take stock and get over the shock,” Giorno explains. “But once I did that and realised we had to make this work I looked for the help and advice I needed”.

“This became all about trying to think about what I could offer, that would work, and stay true to what we have done for 17 years. I had thought of offering a takeaway option of our regular menu items but I just couldn’t see how that would work. The dishes just weren’t suitable.”

It was at this point she started discussing her plight with the business advisors at RG Strategic.

A new approach and a new offering

Principal Russell Green suggested that Jodi review what she wanted to do. If the menu didn’t work as takeaway, perhaps a different menu would.

“Our discussion really focused around what Emilia’s offering could be in light of the current situation,” Green said.

“The biggest challenge was to ensure the business innovated itself out of the trading halt,” Green continued. “And it needed to do so in a step-by-step approach to ensure the change is manageable”.

Giorno and RG Strategic determined that a new menu could work as a takeaway option but it needed to be developed considering old favourites and Emilia’s origins. It also needed to consider the sourcing and costs of produce and product, and of course preparation time and serving options.

“We even went as far as determining that the offering should have the least reliance on cutlery as possible,” Green said. “Emilia’s wanted an offering that people could pick up and eat on the run but was a step above the usual takeaway food options around”.

“We knew that just doing a limited takeaway on certain days wouldn’t be enough. Jodi not only wanted to ensure her café remained viable during this time, but she also wanted to try and ensure her staff were kept employed for the duration,” Green stated.

“As soon as the government announced the Jobkeeper packages I brought back all my permanent staff. I wanted them to be part of the discussions for how we could move forward,” Giorno said.

With the team in place, Giorno could now focus on formulating a strategy to continue to trade and ensure her staff retained employment.

“We came up with all sorts of ideas but we stuck with what we know best. So we developed a plan to supplement a new takeaway offering with take home pre-prepared meals and other products that has become our ‘Emilia’s a casa’ offering,” Giorno said.

RG Strategic also looked at how extra value could be added to Emilia’s business.

Changes to liquor licensing provided new opportunities

“RG Strategic helped us identify an opportunity to offer alcohol as well, and they helped us negotiate the liquor licensing laws and application process.”

Green made the suggestion when he realised the dishes on offer deserved to be paired with quality wine or beer.

“Having kept in touch with the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation I knew that they had seen a reduction in demand as well. This allowed me to navigate the process and get a liquor license for Emilia’s in just three weeks,” Green said.

“The relaxation in licensing the government has brought in allows more businesses like Emilia’s to offer alcoholic beverages that complement their takeaway menu,” Green said. “It just made sense,” he concluded.

Emilia’s reopened last Thursday (30 April) launching the new menu and offerings. Giorno has been delighted with the support of the local community.

“It’s remarkable,” she said. “To go from not knowing how we would be able to survive, to changing our offering and having it be such a success in such a short time is amazing and RG Strategic has been instrumental in that success.”

Being able to sit external to the day to day running of the café, RG Strategic was able to review the past, understand the passion and commitment, and offer a different perspective to a long-trading, traditional hospitality business.

“RG Strategic allowed my team and I to focus and take care of what we needed to do, while they considered the immediate, medium and ongoing strategies we would need and helping push through things that were outside our expertise,” Giorno said.

The post Café innovates to flourish in the COVID crisis appeared first on RG Strategic.