Liquor & Gaming NSW warns of dangerous QR code social media trends

Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has issued a warning to licensed venues regarding a dangerous social media trend involving QR code 'challenges.' In these trends, influencers share their venue's digital ordering codes with online followers, who then purchase large quantities of food and alcohol to be delivered directly to the influencer's table.

These challenges often encourage participants to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, creating significant risks of intoxication and harm. One reported incident near the Sydney Opera House saw influencers receiving at least eleven rounds of drinks from followers before being cut off by staff.

Dimitri Argeres, Executive Director of Regulatory Operations for L&GNSW, emphasized that technology does not absolve venues of their legal responsibilities. "Whether alcohol is ordered at the bar or via a QR code, venues remain responsible for meeting their Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) obligations and preventing intoxication," Argeres stated.

The regulator noted that it is monitoring influencer marketing and user-generated content as part of its 2026 regulatory priorities, stating it will take educational and compliance actions to address unlawful or harmful practices.