Edition 52, November/December 2007

NSW commences major liquor licensing reform

The New South Wales Government has announced a major package of reforms to the state's liquor licensing laws. The reforms are being introduced to modernise and simplify the laws, reflecting changing industry needs and community standards.

The centrepiece of the reforms is to take liquor licensing out of the courts and introduce an administrative-based system to reduce complexity and cost for industry, the community and government.

The rewrite of the Liquor Act is intended to:

  • provide the community with greater protection from alcohol related crime
  • double penalties for the irresponsible service of alcohol
  • introduce new offences for anti-social behaviour
  • slash red tape and costs for industry
  • increase access to the licensing system for councils and residents.

Key elements of the new Act include:

  • a new Casino, Liquor and Gaming Control Authority to deal with applications for liquor licences and extended trading hours, and impose penalties in disciplinary matters
  • the Director of Liquor and Gaming will determine noise/disturbance complaints, impose/vary licence conditions in disciplinary matters, and declare lockouts and curfews in problem areas
  • simplification of liquor licence categories, reducing costs and providing greater flexibility for a wider variety of licensed venues - including special arrangements for small bars and tourism operators
  • restaurants will be able to serve alcohol without a meal by making a simple application and only a small processing fee will apply - the current costly and restrictive Dine-or-Drink Authority will be abolished
  • a new Community Impact Statement for new liquor licences and applications for extended trading hours for high impact venues. Requirements for greater public consultation will increase community input into licensing decisions
  • new provisions to support and encourage live music including cheaper and simpler liquor licences for entertainment venues, and allowing minors to perform in hotels and clubs subject to strict controls

More than 900 submissions were received during the Liquor Bill process from community organisations, the general public, local councils, businesses, industry associations and government agencies. These views are strongly represented in the reform package.  

The details of the new laws will be finalised shortly as drafting of the Liquor Bill is completed.

For more information and a copy of the proposed liquor law reform fact sheet, visit www.olgr.nsw.gov.au

This page was generated on 18 February, 2010