Detached bottle shops
• A fully completed application form
• Prescribed application fee
• Community impact statement
• Layout plan (scale 1:100)

Variation of licence
• A fully completed application form
• Prescribed application fee

Approved extended trading hours (Regular)
• A fully completed application form
• Prescribed application fee
• Risk assessed management plan
• Community impact statement

The Chief Executive must consider whether granting an application for a new licence, detached bottle shop or approved extended trading hours, will have an adverse impact on the surrounding locality. A submission on issues relating to community impact must accompany each application.

The submission must make clear the type of services you intend to provide. It must also take into consideration the likely health and social impact of the application on local residents and any procedures you will put in place to minimise or negate this impact.

Include the steps you will take to ensure the licence will not impact on the amenity of the area to address:

• noise
• lighting
• security arrangements
• dispersal of patrons
• parking and traffic movement
• proximity to residences and community facilities (churches, schools etc.)
• the current and projected population of the area, any visitors and seasonal fluctuations and their respective expectations.

A risk assessed management plan (RAMP) is a submission required to be lodged which contains detailed information relating to the licensee’s management practices and procedures at the premises.

A RAMP should include:

• Principal activity to be conducted on the premises
• Maximum hours of operation
• Details of responsible service of alcohol initiatives
• Details of participation in a liquor accord in the locality (if applicable)
• Details of security (how many, when, for how long etc)
• Provision of food (types of food, when it will be available etc)
• Staff training
• If amplified/outdoor entertainment is proposed how the impact on the surrounding locality is mitigated.

From 1 January 2009 the following applications must include a RAMP:

1. new licence applications
2. licensees applying to renew 3am to 5am trading prior to 31 March 2009
3. extended trading hours approvals
4. permanent variation of licence applications
5. permanent changes in licensed area
6. transfers of existing licence
7. restricted liquor permits.

It is the responsibility of licensee or permittee to notify the Chief Executive of any change in operating practices by lodging a new RAMP. Any proposed change must be approved prior to it taking it effect. Failure to advise the chief executive of any changes to operating practices may result in disciplinary action.

Download the RAMP Fact Sheet from the Fact Sheets section of the Publications and Resources pages.

The following application types must be advertised:
• a licence or variation of a licence
• a detached bottle shop
• approved extended trading hours
• an adult entertainment permit

The advertisement notifies the public of the type of application, and the requirements for objection to the application. The Chief Executive will advise the applicant of the wording, size and timing of the advertising.

Advertising is done at the expense of the applicant and consists of:
• advertising twice in a local newspaper
• advertising once in the Government Gazette and
• displaying a sign on the premises.

The chief executive may waive the requirement to advertise on request by the applicant because of any of the following:
• the remote location of the premises
• advertising which has already taken place for another purpose that substantially complies with the requirements and
• other special circumstances.

Objections to applications may be made by adults either individually or as a signatory to a petition. People may lodge objections if they consider that the granting of the application would unduly disturb or inconvenience them in living, working or doing business in the area, or travelling to or from places of public worship, hospital or school (existing or proposed).

If objections are lodged, a conference may be held. The conference (which is not open to the public) is an opportunity for objectors and applicants to informally discuss any concerns.

The chief executive must also advise the local authority and Assistant Police Commissioner for the locality about the application. Their comments relating to the reasonable requirements or the amenity of the locality must be taken into consideration by the chief executive.

The Chief Executive will make a decision after considering:

• the community impact of the application
• objections and submissions, if any
• fit and proper status of the applicant and
• suitability of the premises to be licensed.

The Chief Executive's decision may be to grant the application, refuse it, or grant it subject to conditions. If the venue is not complete and ready to trade, it may be provisionally granted subject to completion, and trading may not commence until it has been satisfactorily completed and inspected by OLGR’s Compliance Unit, and the licence has been issued.

If the licence is refused, the applicant may appeal to the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal. Similarly, if the application is granted, an objector may choose to appeal the decision.

Any appeal must be lodged with the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal within 28 days of receiving written notification of the chief executive's decision.

Applications that are lodged outside the following timeframes will not be accepted.

21 days prior to the event:

• Community liquor permits
• One-off extended hours permits
• Restricted liquor permits
• Temporary variations to licences for one-off events

28 days prior to the event:

• Commercial public event permits

8 weeks prior to the event:

• One-off adult entertainment permits

Different requirements apply for absences from licences under the Liquor Act and Wine Industry Act.

Under the Liquor Act, if the licensee is going to be absent from the premises without the presence of an approved manager, approval must first be obtained from the Chief Executive and set criteria apply. A notification of absence from licensed premises form must be completed and lodged with OLGR. There is no fee for this application.

Under the Wine Industry Act if the licensee or nominee is going to be absent from the premises for more than 28 days, a notification of absence from licensed premises form must be completed and lodged with OLGR. There is no fee for this application.

The Commercial and Consumer Tribunal (CCT) was established on 1 July 2003 to hear and determine appeals against decisions of the Chief Executive of the Department made under the Liquor Act 1992.

The CCT, which replaced the function of the Liquor Appeals Tribunal, is an independent decision-making body which provides an informal, quick, efficient and cheaper form of merits review for liquor licensing matters than was available under a court system.

The Tribunal is also given jurisdiction by the Wine Industry Act 1994 to hear and determine appeals against decisions of the Chief Executive made under that Act.

The Liquor Act and the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal Act 2003 give jurisdiction to the tribunal to hear and determine appeals against decisions of the Chief Executive under the Act including in particular:

• the grant, refusal, cancellation, suspension or surrender of a licence or permit
• the renewal of an extended hours permit
• licence conditions
• the grant or refusal of authorisation under the Act; and
• “to hear and determine other appeals that may be made to it under this Act or another Act”.

For more information on the CCT and to view the Liquor List or decisions, visit the CCT website or telephone 3247 3333.