Extension of the liquor licence freeze for parts of city of Sydney until 24 June 2012
The Liquor Amendment (Freeze on Certain Liquor Licences) Regulation 2011 commenced on 23 June 2011. The Regulation extends for 12 months the freeze on the grant of applications for certain liquor licences and authorisations in respect of premises in designated freeze precincts located within the City of Sydney local government area.
Which part of the City of Sydney does the freeze apply to?
The areas include Kings Cross, the Oxford Street Darlinghurst precinct and parts of the southern Sydney central business district centred around George Street. The areas are specified in Schedule 5 of the Liquor Act 2007 – see link to maps below. The freeze precincts have significant numbers of licensed premises, particularly venues with late night trading, and are identified trouble spots for alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and violence.
What is the purpose of the extension of the freeze?
The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing is commissioning new research into the relationship between liquor licence density and alcohol-related harms in the freeze precincts. The research will identify the relevant factors that have the potential to significantly impact on community safety and well-being. It will have a broad scope, looking at both the positive and negative cumulative impacts of liquor licence density.
The extension of the freeze will assist in stabilising the number of persons who enter the freeze precincts principally to consume alcohol while the above research is being undertaken and evaluated.
What liquor licence applications are affected?
The Regulation applies to applications for the grant or removal of hotel, club, producer/wholesaler, packaged liquor and on-premises licences for public entertainment venues (e.g. nightclubs) that would be situated in the precincts. The freeze also prevents the grant of a permanent extension of trading hours, and the grant of a “primary service authorisation” for nightclubs and restaurants (allowing, for example, liquor sales without meals) situated in the precincts.
The Regulation also prevents the grant of the following applications if the Casino, Liquor and Gaming Control Authority is satisfied that there will be an increase in the number of persons entering the precinct to consume alcohol and/or an increase in patron capacity of the premises:
- an on-premises licence for a non-public entertainment venue (such as a restaurant or motel);
- a temporary extension of trading hours;
- a variation or revocation of licence conditions; and
- a change in licence boundaries.
The Regulation also prevents the grant of development consents by the City of Sydney Council if the consent is required for development for which an application under the Liquor Act cannot be approved.
How long is the freeze in place for?
The freeze period is until 24 June 2012.
Precinct maps
Kings Cross freeze precinct (1.2 Mb)
Oxford Street, Darlinghurst freeze precinct(2.1 Mb)
CBD South freeze precinct (1.5 Mb)
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