Reforms to Liquor Licensing Laws

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Consultation has concluded

About

This engagement has concluded.

Outcomes and updates
What you said

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Provide your feedback on proposed changes to South Australia’s liquor licensing laws and the draft Community Impact Assessment Guidelines that will be used in the assessment of certain high risk licence categories.

What is being decided?

The South Australian Government is planning sweeping changes to the State’s liquor laws in response to the first review of the Liquor Licensing Act in around two decades.

Proposed changes include:

  • Streamlining liquor licensing categories.
  • Removing restrictions relating to the sale of liquor on Sundays, Christmas Day, Good Friday and New Year’s

About

This engagement has concluded.

Outcomes and updates
What you said

---------------------------

Provide your feedback on proposed changes to South Australia’s liquor licensing laws and the draft Community Impact Assessment Guidelines that will be used in the assessment of certain high risk licence categories.

What is being decided?

The South Australian Government is planning sweeping changes to the State’s liquor laws in response to the first review of the Liquor Licensing Act in around two decades.

Proposed changes include:

  • Streamlining liquor licensing categories.
  • Removing restrictions relating to the sale of liquor on Sundays, Christmas Day, Good Friday and New Year’s Eve.
  • Tightening the laws relating to the supply of alcohol to minors.
  • Introducing a mandatory three hour break in trade for late night premises between 3:00 am and 8:00 am.

The Government also intends to introduce a new test based on the concept of community interest to be used in the assessment of certain high-risk applications, such as an application to grant a licence in respect of premises proposing to operate as a nightclub.

You can download the following documents:

How can your input influence the decision?

Your feedback will support the development of a contemporary liquor licensing regime that cuts red tape and supports the industry, while ensuring we retain the safeguards that help protect members of the public and contribute to the vibrancy of our State.

Provide your feedback:

Written submissions received may be made available to the public. If you do not wish your submission to be made public, please make this clear in your submission by writing ‘confidential’ on your submission. However, please note that confidentiality of submissions cannot be guaranteed. This is because submissions may be accessed by the public under the Freedom of Information Act 1991.

How will your input be used?

Your feedback will be taken into consideration in finalising the changes to the Liquor Licensing Act and the Community Impact Assessment Guidelines, both of which will be released publicly.




Background

In November 2015, the State Government appointed former Supreme Court Justice Tim Anderson to lead a comprehensive review of South Australia’s liquor licensing laws. As part of this review, Mr Anderson considered 89 responses from industry bodies, organisations and individuals to a discussion paper, as well as meeting with approximately 60 representatives of organisations and individuals. Mr Anderson made 129 recommendations covering topics including the overarching licensing regime, trading hours and conditions, red tape reduction measures, dry areas and the supply of alcohol to minors.

In September 2016, the Attorney-General announced the Government would accept the vast majority of Mr Anderson’s recommendations in full. Some recommendations were accepted either in part or in principle and eight recommendations were not accepted.




Consultation has concluded
  • Updates

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    The first stage of reforms to South Australia’s liquor laws commenced

    The first stage of reforms to South Australia’s liquor laws commenced on 18 December 2017, cracking down on the dangerous supply of alcohol to teenagers and cutting red tape for licensed businesses.

  • Updates

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    Liquor Licensing (Liquor Review) Amendment Bill passes Parliament

    Reforms to South Australia’s liquor laws were passed by Parliament on 14 November 2017.

    Once implemented, the laws will create a safe, modern and flexible system that:

    * reflects contemporary standards and expectations

    * ensures there are adequate safeguards in place to protect the community

    * reduces red tape and administrative burden for industry.

    The changes will be implemented in different stages, with further consultation in 2018 on the new fee structure and aspects of the new licensing regime. Consumer and Business Services will work closely with industry to refine and implement the changes, and ensure a smooth transition.

    For more information, visit the Attorney-General’s Department website.

  • Updates

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    Liquor Licensing (Liquor Review) Amendment Bill introduced into Parliament

    The Liquor Licensing (Liquor Review) Amendment Bill was introduced into Parliament on 29 March 2017, following community consultation between November 2016 and January 2017.

    The final Bill is the culmination of the Government’s vision for a modern liquor licensing system and the feedback industry and the community provided both in relation to the independent review and the draft Bill.

    While the introduction of the Bill outlines the legal framework for the new system, there are areas proposed by the independent review that Government are still considering and in addition, amendments will be required to the regulations and the Commissioner’s Codes of Practice.

    To read a copy of the Bill and a summary of changes made to the draft Bill following consultation please visit the Attorney-Generals’ website. For more information about liquor licence changes in South Australia please visit the Consumer and Business Services website.