Russell worked in the Liquor Licensing Division and the Office of Liquor & Gaming Regulation for 9 years, resigning as Principal Compliance Officer in December 2009.  He now joins BARS Training Australia to bring a wealth of experience with his knowledge of liquor licensing practices and major event planning.

In LLD/OLGR Russell was responsible for all Brisbane region risk assessments of new licensed premises, Statewide risk assessment policies and procedures, major prosecutions and disciplinary actions, review of all State-wide 3-5am extended hours permits, State-wide major event planning and a broad range of major compliance policies and procedures.

At varying times Russell acted as Principal Investigator on the Statewide Flying Squad, as Manager, Liquor Compliance for the Brisbane Region and briefly as Project Manager for the 2008/9 Liquor Reform project.  He has worked in and conducted compliance operations every LLD/OLGR region across Queensland and has a broad knowledge base of every major licensed premises and entertainment precinct in the State.

Russell has a broad range of nationally accredited Qualifications (see below) and applies this training and experience to provide professional consultancy and advice for licensees to ensure compliance with the Liquor Act 1992 and related legislation.

Prior to joining LLD/OLGR Russell gained ten years experience working in and managing licensed premises and major events in Queensland and the Northern Territory including working for many of the State’s leading hotel groups and can apply his detailed knowledge to practical management solutions in the hotel, club and restaurant environment.