Crown Sydney to open non-gaming areas

The operator has received a provisional liquor licence to operate part of the new venue, which will open on December 28.

Australia.- Crown Resorts plans to inaugurate some non-gaming areas of its new Sydney property on December 28.

An inauguration was originally planned for mid-December, but the New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) called for its suspension until further notice while the regulator decides if the company is fit to keep its casino licence. A decision on that is expected in February.

Now, Crown has received an ILGA liquor licence on an interim basis from December 16 until April 30 so will move forward with the inauguration of non-gaming parts of the venue.

The liquor licence includes operations at the Crown Towers hotel, bars and some restaurants.

ILGA chair Philip Crawford said the regulator is considering a further two liquor licences for other non-gaming areas of the casino, with a final decision expected within the week.

The company said: “Crown is finalising its pre-opening activities and expects to progressively commence non-gaming operations at Crown Sydney from 28 December 2020.”

Crown will be required to re-apply for a full liquor licence in May 2021.

It said: “[This] will enable ILGA to consider any suitability concerns arising from the ILGA Inquiry before deciding on an extension to the liquor licence.”