The application process for liquor licence applications has been reformed. The new changes are part of efforts to modernise the liquor licensing system to reduce costs, and make it easier for licensed businesses in NSW to start, grow and diversify, while managing the risk of alcohol-related harm and making it easier for the community to have their say.
The primary change to the application process is to remove the 30-day pre-lodgement consultation period and move to a single community consultation model facilitated primarily by the Liquor & Gaming NSW noticeboard.
This new process removes the need for stakeholders to provide feedback on the same licensing proposal at two different points in the licensing process and gives the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (the Authority) the ability to see all stakeholder submissions unfiltered by an applicant.
Under the new changes, applicants are no longer mandated to conduct community consultation prior to lodging an application with L&GNSW, although community consultation is encouraged.
Under the reforms, certain applications are now required to be accompanied by a Statement of Risks and Potential Effects (SoRPE), when the application is lodged with Liquor & Gaming NSW, which captures similar content to the previous Community Impact Statement (CIS).
A SoRPE will be used as an additional tool to assist the Authority in determining the risks and potential effect of applications.
Generally, if you previously had to prepare a Category A or Category B CIS for an application, you will be required to prepare a SoRPE for your application. To find out which applications are required to be accompanied with a SoRPE. Make sure you have all the information about what needs to be included in developing a SoRPE.
While applicants will no longer be required to conduct pre-lodgement community consultation, a broader range of stakeholders will now need to be notified at the point applications are lodged with L&GNSW. Find out which stakeholders must be notified for an individual application.
Transitional arrangements will be in place for two months after the reforms commence on 1 July 2024 where a CIS will be accepted in place of a SoRPE under the circumstances below.
