14 November 2017
The first major changes to South Australia’s liquor licensing system in nearly two decades have passed state Parliament, paving the way for a simpler, more effective system.
The changes include:
- new licensing categories, aimed at simplifying the process for venues and events to apply for a licence
- tougher laws around the secondary supply of alcohol to minors, where a person who supplies alcohol to the minor in contravention of the new laws will face a maximum penalty of $10,000 and expiation fee of $500. A minor who consumes or has possession of alcohol in contravention of the new laws will also face a maximum penalty of $2,500 and expiation fee of $210
- cutting red tape for new and existing licensees
- removing outdated restrictions on the sale of liquor on Sundays, Christmas Day, Good Friday, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
- abolishing the anti-competitive “needs test”.
The reforms will be implemented in phases, with consultation to take place with industry on some key elements of the reform prior to their implementation.