Curt advises pub, club, nightclub, casino, restaurant, resort, accommodation venue owners and operators on the strategic and technical aspects of their business operations and freehold ownerships. This includes advice to property developers and owners (e.g. major retail chains) about assets, including licensed premises.

Curt's expertise covers acquisitions and sales, site acquisitions, all forms of liquor licensing and gaming applications, compliance, management agreements, and establishment of new licensed venues for greenfield sites.

He works closely with government regulators in the liquor and gaming sector advising on amendments to the Queensland liquor and gaming laws. Curt also advises peak industry bodies, such as the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) and Clubs Queensland.

A regular contributor to industry publications, Curt is also a popular speaker on developments in gaming, liquor and responsible service.

His ability to build rapport has earned him the position as trusted advisor to many colleagues, clients and industry leaders.

How did you get into the hospitality law sector?

I have done pub work since 1982 by virtue of Tony Steindl, the original founder of Steindls Lawyers and also Bob Lette who was involved in acting in pub transactions.  From there, I made a decision that Queensland was always going to be strong in hospitality and tourism, and felt that it would be a sector that would grow – as it has.

Queensland has grown both in terms of tourism and in terms of demographics and this has fed my involvement and that of my team in this sector.

What are some of your career highlights from your time in the hospitality space?

My career highlight is really acting across a number of sectors in the hospitality industry including pubs, clubs, restaurants, resorts, casinos, nightclubs and accommodation.  I treat all my clients the same, whether it’s my largest client, ALH Group, to any individual publican.  The highlight has probably been to build a very strong team here at Mullins Lawyers who can do anything involved in the hospitality space including integrated developments and property law aspects as well.

What are the biggest issues facing the hotel and tourism industry at the moment?

I think the main issue facing the hotel and tourism industry is just to continue to refresh their assets and to expend the capital required to keep them fresh.  Competition between the venues is also something which is continuous and whilst this is good for the patron, probably means that operators needs to stay fresh and new.

How has the industry changed in the time you have been involved with it?

I guess pub ownership has become more rationalized into the corporate sectors.  This is one of the major changes that I have seen.  Otherwise, attention to detail, good staff and a good offering will always win the day.

What changes would you like to see over the next two to five years in the industry?

One of the main changes that I would like to see in the industry is recognition that patrons need to take care of their own welfare and that they should understand their responsibilities not only to the venue, but to the community at large.  It is important that the regulator puts in place laws that seek to safeguard people in relation to all types of venues, but it is really about patrons understanding their social responsibilities and the need to treat people in the way they would prefer to be treated.

What is your favourite hotel and holiday destination?

There are various hotels that are my favourites and my favourite holiday destination remains North Stradbroke Island.  It is an absolute jewel so close to Brisbane – when you are there, you could be anywhere in the world.

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