Newcastle concern over liquor law amendments

Changes to liquor laws are being met with opposition from some Newcastle residents, as they accuse the government of lying in bed with the liquor industry.

From today a new licensing option will allow people to open small bars with a capacity of 60 people.

Community advocate Tony Brown says under the changes residents won't be able to object to the issuing of liquor licences near them.

He says the government is bowing the influence of the liquor industry.

"There are many families already living in the central part of Newcastle and if one of these small bars in inverted commas is put next door to them," he said.

"They have no legal right to lodge an objection against the liquor licence.

"And this further demonstrates how closely the O'Farrell Government is associated with the powerful liquor industry."

Mr Brown is concerned the amendments to liquor laws could be subject to change in just a year.

He says he has suspicions the patron limit could be doubled.

"Whilst the legislation currently states there's a maximum 60 capacity, the government has not ruled out in a year's time, for example, doubling this," he said.

"And we know for example in Sydney that there's a maximum number of 120, the small bars.

"But there's a number of proposals already before council about the same or even further."

Source: ABC News, 1 July 2013