ACT delivers fairer alcohol licensing

ACT MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar says the Government’s alcohol law reforms are a welcome step towards restoring fairness and common sense – and show ACT is delivering real change in Government.

“For too long, responsible bottle store operators have faced an unpredictable and expensive licensing process, where objections could come from anyone, anywhere. Reform is long overdue,” says Dr Parmar.

“I have raised these issues with my colleagues and even prepared a member’s bill. Now, I’m pleased my ACT colleague Nicole McKee has taken action through Cabinet. Her reforms include changes I’ve been advocating for – limiting objections to the local community and giving applicants the right to respond. These are basic standards of fairness and natural justice that should always have been part of the system.

“Regulation should minimise harm, but it must also be fair. ACT is making sure local communities have a real say, retailers are treated fairly, and businesses aren’t undermined by distant objectors."

Dr Parmar’s Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Participation in Licensing Decisions) Amendment Bill addresses additional areas. The Bill would:

• Ensure a licence cannot be denied or restricted simply because a new “sensitive site”, such as a school or church, opens nearby;

• Reinstate a fair right of appeal on Local Alcohol Policies (LAPs).

“Nicole’s reforms are a big step forward, and I'm looking forward to seeing the Government’s legislation develop as it is introduced to Parliament and considered at select committee. I’ll be encouraging anyone who has struggled with the current off-licence system to make their voice heard.”

Editor's note: A letter from the Associate Justice Minister to Dr Parmjeet Parmar confirming the Government's response to licencing concerns can be found here.