A | A | A

Home > Liquor > Resources > Liquor promotion guidelines and intoxication guidelines

Liquor promotion guidelines and intoxication guidelines

Responsible promotion of alcohol guidelines

The guidelines let licensees know exactly what they can and cannot do when considering activities or promotions involving alcohol.

The liquor laws give the Director-General, Communities NSW the power to restrict or prohibit undesirable alcohol promotions in licensed venues. This power is aimed at reducing intoxication levels and binge drinking, and the associated anti-social behaviour and violence.

The guidelines do not seek to restrict or prohibit sensible liquor promotions of low risk which can be properly managed. A low risk example would be a happy hour which only lasts an hour and where only standard drinks were served.

The guidelines are designed to ensure that licensees sell and supply alcohol responsibly. They indicate the kinds of activities or promotions that the Director of Liquor and Gaming would restrict or prohibit.

OLGR recommends that all licensees have an understanding of the guidelines, as it will help them determine the risks associated with the promotion of alcohol. The guidelines will be monitored regularly. As they are subject to periodic review, it is suggested that licensees revisit the website twice a year to view the latest version.

As part of the Hassle Free Nights initiative, the Liquor promotion guidelines are currently being reviewed.

Communities NSW is conducting a review of the Liquor Promotion Guidelines to ensure they remain useful and relevant. This review is an initiative of the Hassle Free Nights Action Plan.

The Liquor Promotion Guidelines were issued in April 2009 under section 102 of the Liquor Act 2007. The Guidelines are designed to ensure licensees sell and supply alcohol responsibly and include a risk assessment guide to help licensees decide if a particular activity or promotion is appropriate.

Complaints about inappropriate liquor promotions by licensed premises should be made by telephoning 02 9995 0837 or lodged via our online complaints form.

View the Liquor promotion guidelines (85 kb)

Intoxication guidelines

Intoxication Guidelines were issued on 1 July 2008 to align with the introduction of new liquor laws in NSW. The guidelines are aimed to assisting licensees and their staff determine whether a person is intoxicated. The guidelines have been developed to support the following objectives of the Liquor Act 2007:

The need to minise harm associated with misuse and abuse of liquor.
Encourage responsible attitudes and practices towards promotion, sale, supply, service and consumption of alcohol.
Ensure that the sale, supply and consumption of liquor contributions to and does not detract from, the amenity of community life.

PDF Icon View the Intoxication Guidelines.