The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) has approved three interim liquor licences for Crown’s Barangaroo resort that were due to expire on October 31, 2021.

ILGA chair Philip Crawford said the liquor licences had again been issued on an interim basis and will expire on June 30, 2022.

“In December last year, ILGA agreed to work with Crown Resorts to enable the opening of non-gaming areas such as accommodation, restaurants, bars and entertainment areas,” Crawford said.

“The three interim liquor licences permit alcohol to continue to be sold within the resort at a number of non-gaming bar areas and two ground floor restaurants within the facility.

“ILGA’s position on Crown Sydney’s gaming operations has not changed, with the Authority still monitoring and assessing Crown’s responses to the issues arising from the Bergin Report.

“These issues are complex, and Crown is required to undertake significant change to satisfy the Authority that it is on a pathway to become suitable to hold a gaming licence.

“It will take further time for Crown to fully implement that change and for the Authority to give it proper consideration before making its determination.”

Crown Sydney gambling could open by year end

In May, the ILGA said Crown Resorts may gain a gambling licence for its Barangaroo venue by the end of this year, after making substantial changes including agreeing to make all of its casinos cashless.

ILGA confirmed Crown had reached agreement on a number of matters, including paying a proportion of the costs of the Bergin inquiry and no longer operating any international high-roller junket operations, which were at the centre of the scandal.

Crawford said he was “surprised and pleased” with Crown’s conduct of late and agreements to change. He also noted all the senior executives deemed unsuitable in the Bergin report had left the company and were being replaced by people with relevant expertise and experience.