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New Liquor Laws

New liquor laws came into effect in New South Wales on 1 July 2008. The new laws provide greater flexiblity for licensees, more choice for patrons and greater protection from local communities from alcohol related crime. Liquor licensing will be move away from a court based system to an administrative one overseen by the new and independent body - the Casino, Liquor and Gaming Control Authority.

The changes include:

New liquor licensing options for small bars, restaurants and live music venues.
Increased access to licensing decisions for local councils and residents.
A new complaint system allowing communities to take quick action against licensed venues causing disturbances.
New offences to reduce anti-social behaviour.
Expanded powers for the Director of Liquor and Gaming to impose conditions on liquor licences, declare lockouts/curfews and ban irresponsible liquor products and promotions at individual licensed premises.
Less cost and complexity for liquor licensees and applicants.

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Further information:

Fact sheet January 2008 (84 kb) - summarising the changes to NSW liquor laws.
Liquor laws information hub on our website
Fact sheet on the liquor laws for local councils (596 kb)
Information for new liquor licence applicants
Information for patrons about their rights and responsibilities
Information for community
Liquor laws fact sheets
Liquor licence application forms
Casino, Liquor and Gaming Control Authority
Important information for existing licensees about the new liquor laws (652 kb)
An overview (428 kb)of the new liquor licensing laws for the the liquor industry.
News release (75 kb)- dated 7 November 2007 issued by the NSW Premier.