Who We Are
Meet the team
Liquor and Gaming Solutions was established by John Van der Veen in 2016, when the Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing closed their regional office in Newcastle. Since that time the team has grown to include other experienced professionals and has diversified to include support for Festivals and Events and consulting advice. We have a network of other industry professionals and experts who we work alongside, and the experience to ensure the job is done right.
John Van der Veen
Managing Director
John is our Managing Director and senior licensing consultant with over 25 years of industry experience. John is a former Licensing Inspector with the Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing and worked in law enforcement prior to that. John works closely with the licence applications team and engages with the regulatory authorities to discuss all new liquor licence applications.
John also assists with crisis management for any incident which may impact a liquor licence.
Bec Pope
Licensing Consultant
Joining the Licensing team in early 2023, Bec is a Licensing Consultant with LGS who, as a former Sergeant with the NSW Police brings further enforcement and compliance experience.
As part of our licensing team, she ensures that clients receive comprehensive support through throughout the licensing process. She manages a myriad of paperwork and facilitates smooth communication between clients and stakeholders.
With her experience, she is able to adept to the continuing changes the Liquor and Gaming industry face and provide suitable solutions.
Her background in law enforcement ensures her commitment to upholding regulations and assists her ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks effectively.
Ally Thorpe
Event Coordinator
Ally, our experienced Event Coordinator, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table when it comes to running and planning events.
With keen attention to detail and great multitasking skills, she and the Events team will handle everything effortlessly for your event – from start to finish!
Whether it’s the initial planning phase, coordinating with vendors, managing timelines, or solving unexpected issues, Ally will ensure every event runs smoothly and leaves a lasting impact.
We have assisted over 100 + businesses
"I had the pleasure of working with Rebecca and John on several licensing projects recently. They removed the guesswork and made the entire process much smoother. Their expertise is invaluable—they identified an issue with my current license that we hadn't even noticed and guided us through all the necessary updates. Additionally, they helped me extend my trading hours and update my licensed boundaries. The process was made simple and took so much time and pressure off me. If you're doing anything license-related, use the people that know how to get it done. I wouldn't risk money or time on an application that wasn't handled by a professional again."
Railway Hotel, Gunnedah 
"I cannot recommend Liquor and Gaming Solutions highly enough. They were instrumental in creating our Club's Alcohol Management Plan, which has helped us operate more smoothly and responsibly. Their assistance in updating our licence conditions has also been invaluable in ensuring our business is compliant with regulations while also maximising our operations. John and his team truly simplify the complex world of Liquor and Gaming regulations, allowing us to focus on running our business effectively. Thank you for all your help!"
Long Reef Golf Club, Collaroy 
"John, Bec and the team at LGS provided us a turnkey solution for our Liquor License. From start to finish they guided us through the requirements and were always happy to help and explain things. Bec was awesome at helping us with the regulatory requirements as well as assisting with the training/registrations required. Highly recommend LGS!"
Slingtown Coffee, Carrington 
"When we needed to change the location of our previous venue and update our liquor license, Bec managed the entire process with exceptional efficiency from start to finish. She was always accessible and demonstrated extensive knowledge, keeping me well-informed at every stage. This level of communication was a great relief, allowing me to focus on the renovation of our new cellar door without concerns about the licensing process. Since then, Bec has continued to be an invaluable resource, always willing to answer any questions. It's reassuring to know she's just a phone call away. I highly recommend her and LGS."
EmmaLatitude 32 Wines 
“Not knowing anything about liquor licences I asked a friend if they could recommend someone to help me apply for a liquor licence. Without hesitation my friend said John Van der Veen from Liquor & Gaming Solutions was the go-to-man that could satisfy the liquor and gaming authority on our behalf to grant us a liquor licence. John & his team were amazing with all the steps involved in obtaining the correct licence for our business. Definitely would recommend Liquor & Gaming Solutions.
Darren & Sue McCollWhite Barn Pokolbin 
"After setting up our new venue, and receiving several knock backs from Liquor and Gaming about our name change, we realised that our current liquor licence (restaurant) would not allow us to trade in way we wanted to, and use our chosen business name. They bore the brunt of the process, and within a relatively short period, we had our new licence. Increasing the value of our business, allowing us to keep our name, and avoiding any potential breaches. We were extremely happy to say the least! We definitely engage them again for any future licencing issues. Thanks very much!"
Luke TilseThe Happy Wombat 
“I needed to produce, at short notice, a comprehensive Alcohol Management Plan. I made contact with a couple of reputable industry colleagues and they both suggested that there is only one guy you should contact, John Van Der Veen from Liquor & Gaming Solutions. We have had no regrets whatsoever and highly recommend John and the team for any liquor, licensing or gaming compliance matters.”
Club Catalina 
“John and the team at LGS were terrific in helping us navigate the complex and highly bureaucratic licencing system and local council requirements. They were helpful, proactive, efficient and on time. We recommend LGS to advise on all things licencing.”
Brokenwood 
"John Van der Veen and the team at Liquor and Gaming Solutions are incredibly knowledgeable in all the things their business name indicates. As such, they have addressed all licensing issues that we've needed to be resolved quickly and easily. John and L&GS have become a pivotal component of our business and we cannot recommend them enough!"
Devils Hollow 
"The Good Food & Wine Show has been working with John and his team since 2018. Engaging with Liquor & Gaming Solutions has made our liquor license application seamless for our large scale major event. John’s knowledge and strong network with local council and NSW police has provided us with the utmost confidence in executing a successful event."
Good Food and Wine Show 
Liquor and Gaming Solutions are always a dream to deal with. John and Jade maintain extensive knowledge in their fields of expertise and have provided us with superb, innovative and targeted advice for our circumstances on every engagement. We have found L&GS to consistently deliver on their commitments, always act professionally and with integrity. Highly recommended.
Andrew CoughlanJam's Karaoke & Bar 
LGS Group has the knowledge and understanding of the industry from small to gargantuan issues in regards to all things Liquor and Regulation. The past experience of the team at LGS gives them the skill to deal with development and planning applications and how they relate with licensing. They will ensure that your company is given the greatest chance of success and then provide the after sales service to help navigate future situations that may arise.
Russell RichardsonKing Street Hotel 
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