Restaurants raise glasses to liquor licensing reform
Restaurant & Catering, the industry peak body representing restaurateurs and caterers, has commended the Newman Government’s commitment to taking further steps to help small businesses and support one of Queensland’s four key pillars – tourism.
The government is introducing a range of reforms to the Liquor and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2013, such as removing the requirement to keep a register of RSA certification.
Restaurant & Catering CEO, John Hart says it’s a welcome announcement ahead of the Christmas period.
“The changes will alleviate the burden in providing hospitality services to patrons, particularly operators who will no longer require an approved manager to be on site if they don’t operate past midnight - Licensed vessels will also no longer have this requirement.
“Business operators will now be able to get on with what they do best – delivering quality hospitality services to customers – with greater flexibility and reduced administrative burden,” said Mr Hart.
R&CA was heavily involved in the Expert Panel, which was instrumental in the formulation of the announced changes that also include:
- Remove the requirement for persons trained in responsible management of licensed venues to also complete RSA training
- Allow payment of liquor licence fees by instalment in circumstances of severe financial hardship
- Remove requirement for licensees to keep responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training registers
- Allow gaming machines to be destroyed without the Commissioner’s written approval
- Reduce the number of prescribed requirements for gaming machine licence application.
“We are pleased the Newman government has listened, and has delivered real outcomes for the sector on this issue,” Mr Hart said.
Source: Restaurant and Catering Association, 25 November 2013
