Community feedback on NSW liquor licences reviewed

 

The community impact statements (CIS) that NSW pubs, bottle shops, bars and clubs must submit when applying for liquor licenses are being reviewed for the first time in nine years.

Community impact statements require the applicant to gather community views on the potential impact that granting a new liquor licence could have on a neighbourhood. These statements must include community opposition or support for the licence.

NSW Racing Minister Paul Toole announced earlier this week that Liquor and Gaming NSW will be reviewing the process and is asking for community and industry feedback.

“It’s important that those potentially affected by liquor licences have input into the assessment process, whether they be residents, councils, police or others,” Mr Toole said.

“But it’s also important that pubs, bars and other venues can continue to provide options for people who want to socialise and enjoy themselves.”

The review will examine issues such as:

• Whether CIS adequately capture local community views

• Are concerns being accurately reported by applicants via the CIS?

• Does the CIS identify the risks and benefits of a proposed liquor licence?

• Are there opportunities to cut red tape and minimise delays in the CIS process?

• Is the feedback and information collected via the CIS useful when deciding applications?

• Do the benefits of the CIS justify the costs or time placed on businesses, local residents and other stakeholders?

• Are there any applications or venues currently included or excluded from the CIS that should not be?

Meanwhile, AHA NSW Director of Liquor and Policing John Green, welcomed the review, telling Intermedia stablemate TheShout: “The current system has been in place for quite some time, so AHA NSW looks forward to taking part in this review process on behalf of our members.”

Submissions close on Wednesday 26 July. Have your say here

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