Rewrite of the NSW liquor laws

In November 2005, the NSW Government released a draft Liquor Bill 2005 and Liquor and Gaming Court Bill 2005, which represent a complete rewrite of the liquor licensing laws.

The Bills include comprehensive changes to the liquor regulatory framework aimed at reducing complexity and cost. They also simplify and modernise the law to aid understanding and enforcement.

Key features include reforms recommended by the 2003 National Competition Policy review of the liquor and club management laws (the first stage of those reforms commenced on 1 August 2004). The Bills also implement important Government initiatives flowing from the 2003 NSW Summit on Alcohol Abuse.

The reforms support the Government’s program to reduce alcohol-related harm, and promote a culture of responsible service and consumption of alcohol. They also help to promote the sustainability and integrity of the liquor and club industries.

Copies of the Exposure Draft Bills and summary documents are available for downloading:

Submissions in response to the draft Bills closed on 10 February 2006.

The Government is considering the submissions made in response to the draft Bills before they are finalised.

If you have any enquiries about the draft bill and regulations, please contact Mr Peter Cox at our office on telephone (02) 9995 0657, fax (02) 9995 0699, email peter.cox@olgr.nsw.gov.au.