Pub baron Arthur Laundy says he didn't discuss any legal changes with the deputy premier. Credit:Peter Morris

"We talked about a heap of different things in the industry. I happen to know Troy ... I own a hotel at Dubbo. I call him occasionally. I don't overdo it," Mr Laundy said of the meeting.

Mr Grant is the Nationals member for Dubbo.

Mr Laundy's company has been on a pub-buying spree in the past year, purchasing the Central Coast Long Jetty Hotel in October, the Panania, Woolwich Pier and Woolloomooloo Bay hotels in June, and the Bateau Bay hotel in April. Last September his company purchased Northies in Cronulla and the Mona Vale Hotel. He leases another 33 pubs to Woolworths.

"The red tape in our industry is just unbelievable. I have been a publican for 53 years ... You have do-gooders out there who want this done, that done, and it all just gets thrown at the publican," he said.