Edition 77, April 2010

Mandatory RSA considered in draft ACT liquor legislation

An exposure draft to overhaul the ACT Liquor Act 1975 proposes the introduction of mandatory responsible service of alcohol training for all staff and security guards.

ACT Attorney General Simon Corbell said the ACT Government is seeking feedback on this important suite of proposed reforms.

"This Bill is a major overhaul of the ACT's liquor laws and will see dramatic changes to improve public safety in popular nightspots and entertainment precincts through a risk based regulatory framework that affect clubs, pubs, restaurants and nightclubs," Mr Corbell said.

Key elements of the reform package include: 

  • the introduction of mandatory responsible service of alcohol training for all staff and security guards
  • risk based licensing fees based on opening hours with premises trading past midnight until 2am or 4 am to pay a higher level of fees commensurate with the risks they pose to public safety
  • dedicated ACT Policing liquor licensing teams and other regulatory activities funded from the new fee structure
  • the provision for lockouts at licensed premises if required in the future
  • a requirement on licensees to provide, contribute towards, or otherwise identify transport options for patrons to get home safely after early morning trading
  • new police powers including the power to impose an emergency 24 hour suspension of trade on the spot
  • public notification of liquor licensing applications with provision for members of the community to comment on prospective liquor licences
  • new powers for the Commissioner for Fair Trading to impose and vary conditions on a licence at any time to protect the interests of the community
  • new powers for the Commissioner for Fair Trading to refuse a licence application if it is not in the interests of the broader community, aimed at preventing the over representation of licensed premises in a single location.

The final Bill is scheduled to be tabled in mid 2010, with debate scheduled before next summer.

The exposure draft will be out for public consultation until the beginning of May 2010 and is available for download at www.justice.act.gov.au

Comments can be provided to liquor.review@act.gov.au

This page was generated on 27 April, 2010

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