Liquor Regulations

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Liquor Act 2007

The new Liquor Act commenced on 1st July 2008. The new laws not only recognise the importance of minimising alcohol-related harm, but also the social and cultural role played by responsible alcohol use.

All those involved in the liquor industry should:

  • regulate and control the sale, supply and consumption of liquor in a way that is consistent with the expectations, needs and aspirations of the community;
  • facilitate the balanced development, in the public interest, of the liquor industry through a flexible and practical system of regulation with minimal formality and technicality; and
  • contribute to the responsible development of related industries such as the live music, entertainment, tourism and hospitality industries.

and have due regard to the need to:

  • minimise harm associated with misuse and abuse of liquor (including harm arising from violence and other anti-social behaviour),
  • encourage responsible attitudes and practices in the promotion, sale, supply, service and consumption of liquor, and
  • ensure that the sale, supply and consumption of liquor contributes to, and does not detract from, the amenity of community life.

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Community Input

The laws allow communities to have input into licensing decisions and action against licensed venues that have an adverse impact on local neighbourhoods.

Disturbance complaints

Local communities, police and councils can take action against licensed venues that have an adverse impact on local neighbourhoods.

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Community Impact Statement

In most cases an application for a new liquor licence, extended trading hours or variation of a liquor licence requires the applicant to lodge a Community Impact Statement (CIS).

A CIS:

  • must be included with the papers lodged when a liquor licence or licence-related authorisation application is made
  • is prepared by a potential applicant
  • allows the Casino, Liquor & Gaming Control Authority to be aware of the impact an application would have on the local community by ensuring the potential applicant consults with the local community before deciding to go ahead with making an application
  • CIS summarises the results of consultation between the applicant and the local community about any issues and concerns with a proposed application

The Authority cannot grant a licence, authorisation or approval unless it is satisfied that the overall social impact will not be detrimental to the well-being of the local or broader community.

Members of the community can visit our licence application noticeboard on this website to check for current liquor licence applications. You can also use the noticeboard to lodge an online submission with the Authority on an application that affects your neighbourhood.

Intoxication Guidelines

Under the new Act, licensees and staff must ensure that patrons do not become intoxicated. Intoxicated persons are to be removed from the premises immediately or refused entry onto the licensed premises.

A licensee is liable for permitting intoxication if an intoxicated person is detected by authorised officers (police officer, OLGR inspector) on the premises. This offence applies regardless of whether the intoxicated person is still drinking on the licensed premises.

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