ACT GOVERNMENT LIQUOR REFORMS APPROVED

A major overhaul of liquor laws in the ACT which will take effect on December 1, 2010, has been supported by the Legislative Assembly today, Attorney General, Simon Corbell, said.

"These new reforms are designed to tackle the problem of alcohol-fuelled violence and irresponsible service of alcohol in our community," Mr Corbell said.

"Greater responsibility will now be on liquor licensees and patrons to do the right thing and reduce the impact excessive alcohol consumption has on our community."

The Bill will allow the Government to implement the following important community safety reforms:

A risk-based licensing system that measures the amount of risk posed to the community based on opening hours;

The provision for lockouts at licensed premises in the future;

The introduction of mandatory responsible service of alcohol training for all staff including licensees;

An increase to police powers including a 24-hour suspension of trade power in the case of an emergency;

Shifting regulatory responsibility from Office of Regulatory Services (ORS) to ACT Policing; and,

A new ‘fail to leave' offence for police to fine intoxicated people who refuse to move from a licensed establishment.

"These reforms will also give the Commissioner for Fair Trading, greater powers to manage the proximity of new licensed establishments to residential areas, and other establishments, in order to minimise the risk to the community," Mr Corbell said.

Mr Corbell said that the Government had agreed to a trial of a nightrider service to ensure passage of the legislation through the Assembly.

"The Government has committed to a three month trial beginning in November this year of a late night public transport "Nightrider" service to the suburbs from Civic," he said.

"This suite of changes marks a significant step forward in the way we, as a community, deal with social problems associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

"The ACT Labor Government is committed to addressing anti-social behaviour in entertainment precincts, but to ensure this new legislation works, we need a strong partnership with the liquor industry.

"The Government will now engage in a detailed education process with licensees and employees in licensed premises, to ensure that all people serving alcohol know what these new laws mean for them and their businesses.

"The Government has recently engaged in public consultation on the draft regulation that will accompany this new legislation. The Government is finalising it's position and will be releasing further details shortly.

"A risk-based fee structure is also being finalised, following extensive consultation with industry organisations including the Australian Hotels Association and Clubs ACT.

"A review process of the new laws will begin in 2012, and this will provide data to gauge how effective the new measures have been and what, if any, further measures need to be considered."

Media Contact:

Patrick Cronan 6205 0401 0432 758 224 patrick.cronan@act.gov.au