Saturday, 18 June 2011

Progress stifled by Councils.

Back in 2008 the New South Wales government passed licensing law reforms to allow Melbourne style small bars to introduce more sensible drinking rules to this state.   Three years later, just once such liquor license has been granted in the city of Wollongong.

The aim of the reform was to reduce the astronomical cost of applying for a liquor license to allow drinks without ordering a meal.  Melbourne has managed to dilute the " big pub and big club " scene with many " hole in the wall " bars serving small groups of people.

The fee for such a liquor license has been reduced to just $ 500, but as the owner of Wollongong's single such bar comments - just getting a DA through council to get such a bar started runs to more than $ 30,000 in " Council fees ".

The state government streamlined the process - and the Councils have retained all the old stumbling blocks.



Before a DA can be lodged the council demands a $ 6000 " contribution fee " and there are problems complying with it's " town planning " requirements.    The applicant must have a valid, signed lease for the proposed premises - and as passage through council of that DA will take at least six months - the applicant is seriously out of pocket paying rent.

It should not need an outlay of $ 30,000 to get a trimmed down liquor license through council.  If the state government is prepared to issue such a license for just $ 500, then the intent to create a more relaxed drinking mode is being sabotaged by the " approval stampers " who not only demand fees and charges but also hold up approval to the detriment of business success.

It seems that if this state government is serious about liquor reform it needs to use it's powers to take the knife to council's approval process - and question whether the fees charged are in line with modern business practice.

Many will attest that the sclerotic processes used by councils are a hangover from a past age !

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