The New South Wales restaurant and catering industry is celebrating following news of the NSW Government’s proposals to relax the state’s liquor licensing legislation following a high profile public campaign.

Robert Goldman, the CEO of Restaurant & Catering NSW which has fought long and hard for changes to the legislation, said the association’s members were pleased with news that customers would now be able to have a drink in cafes or restaurants without the outdated Drink and Dine Legislation.

"Restaurant and Catering NSW has strongly welcomed today’s announcement that the NSW Government will grant approval for Restaurants and Cafes to serve customers liqour without meals," he said claiming that everyone benefits from a relaxation of the laws. "Consumer choice to drink and dine in a cafe, restaurant, pub or club are all this association ever lobbied for."

Goldman said Restaurant & Catering NSW strongly supported the decision by the cabinet on suggestions from the Minister for Gaming and Racing, Graham West.

Goldman also acknowledged the recent support of Clover Moore, the Lord Mayor of Sydney who has been campaigning for relaxation of the laws, various parts of the media, from associates of the Liquor Administration Board (LAB). However he sai the industry is now keenly awaiting for more detail about the legislation.

"This announcement gives great reason for our members to celebrate particularly in the build up to Christmas and the summer seasons but eagerly awaits the details of the proposed legislation,” Goldman said.

"We have been lobbying and working with the NSW State Government over the past five years on changes to the legislation, and we are pleased to see it finally paying off."