What it does
The Registered Clubs Act 1976 (the Act) establishes the statutory framework under which not-for-profit clubs in New South Wales may obtain and maintain a club licence to sell or supply liquor and operate approved gaming machines. At its core, the Act mandates that a club must be conducted "in good faith as a club" (s 10(1)(a)) and satisfy 14 specific requirements set out in s 10(1). These include incorporation as a company limited by guarantee or co-operative (s 10(1)(b)), a minimum number of ordinary members (cross-referenced to s 12), bona fide occupation of premises funded by the club (s 10(1)(f)), and prohibitions on private profit (ss 10(1)(i)–(k)). The Act deems certain rules to be included in every club's constitution (s 30(1)–(2)), covering election of the governing body, membership classes, liquor service restrictions, and maintenance of registers for members and guests (s 31).
Part 2 imposes ongoing operational standards, including non-restricted area authorisations (s 22), junior members authorisations (s 22A), and club functions authorisations for minors (s 23). Division 1A (ss 17AB–17AI) and Division 1B (ss 17AJ–17AO) prescribe detailed processes for club amalgamations and de-amalgamations, requiring member notifications (s 17AE, s 17AK), Authority approval (s 17AEB, s 17AM), financial viability assessments, and protections for dissolved clubs' assets (s 17AI). Part 4A, as substituted by the Registered Clubs Amendment (Accountability and Amalgamations) Act 2018, introduces the Registered Clubs Accountability Code (s 41C), which may regulate disclosure of interests, gifts, contracts, lending, remuneration, and property disposal. Section 41E prohibits disposal of "core property" (club premises or member facilities) without valuation, member approval by majority at a general meeting, and public auction/tender, with Supreme Court remedies for breaches (s 41E(2)–(4)).