Media Statement

Thursday, 17 November 2005

Greens Call on Council to fight “Pub Friendly” Liquor Reform

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Next Tuesday night Randwick Council will consider a motion calling on local Labor MPs to oppose any weakening of the present ability of resident groups to appeal to the Liquor Administration Board about poorly run pubs.

The motion has been put by Green Councillor Murray Matson

The NSW Department of Gaming & Racing advises that there will be a rewrite of liquor licensing legislation as a result of the National Competition Policy Review of NSW Liquor.

Resident groups can presently appeal to the Board under section 104 of the Liquor Act 1982 for more restrictive operating hours and conditions to be imposed on greedy pubs. This includes measures such as:

• noise abatement;
• prohibition of the sale or supply of liquor before 10 am and after 11 pm;
• the restriction on activities (such as promotions or discounting) that could encourage misuse or abuse of liquor (such as binge drinking or excessive consumption); or
• the limitation of trading hours and public access.

Residents could lose this avenue if the Minister for Gaming and Racing introduces amending legislation next year.

Greens Councillor Murray Matson said prior to the meeting.

"While Mayor I initiated a proposal that Council gather evidence from residents to use in our own Section 104 application to wind back the operating hours of the Beach Palace and the Coogee Bay Hotel. We may have missed the boat if the legislation goes through."

Councillor Matson voiced criticism over fellow Councillor Michael Daley.

"I am surprised that Labor Councillor and new MP Michael Daley has not sought to alert Council to the pending legislation."

CONTACT: Greens Councillor Murray Matson