Libs to overhaul liquor laws

The Canberra Liberals are promising to simplify the liquor law system if the party is elected to government next month.

The party says it would immediately abolish the requirement for restaurants and cafes to complete a Risk Assessment Management Plan.

They would also review the requirement of accommodation providers and casual licensees to complete the plans.

A Liberal government would develop a risk-based approach to liquor licensing fees, and review occupancy loadings and enforcement arrangements.

Leader Zed Seselja says the hospitality industry currently faces unnecessary restrictions and costs.

He says the changes will improve safety and cut red tape for businesses.

"We'll be looking at some of the excessive red tape in outdoor cafe areas where we've seen things like the colour of a chair or the type of chair have been determined by government," he said.

"We don't think that type of approach is reasonable."

On-the-spot fines for low level alcohol-related antisocial behaviour would be expanded and people would be forced to pay for the use of the 'sobering-up' facility.

"We would give the industry a liquor licensing framework that doesn't stifle business and also allows patrons to enjoy themselves responsibly," Mr Seselja said.

"Our plan will give Canberra's night life a boost through better safety and amenity, and will help smaller or niche establishments survive and thrive."

'Good balance'

Canberra's pubs, clubs and restaurants have been quick to back the policy.

ClubsACT chief executive Jeff House says the plan will cut the regulatory burden on business.

"It does strike a good balance and I think a number of their proposals are quite sensible," he said.

Mr House backs the expansion of on-the-spot fines for anti-social behaviour.

"What we've seen in the past few years is a focus on venues rather than a focus on the responsibility of individuals to not act in an anti-social way," he said.

"There needs to be more of a focus on encouraging people to behave responsibly."

Brad Watts from the Australian Hotels Association says axing Risk Assessment Management Plans for cafes and small restaurants is a great idea.

"It's a really complex and very arduous process for many of our members and we welcome that streamlining the process," he said.

'Concerning proposal'

Attorney-General Simon Corbell has attacked the plan, defending Labor's record in the area.

"Risk Assessment Management Plans are standard practice in New South Wales. They only have to be completed once. It's disappointing they are removing that," he said.

"But what's even more concerning is the proposal to require people who use our sobering up shelter to pay. This means more people ending up in the city watch house."

Meanwhile the ACT Greens have questioned the thinking behind the Liberals' plan.

Greens spokesman Shane Rattenbury says while the laws need to be fairer on smaller venues, any changes should not come at a cost.

"At the moment the revenue coming from the increased liquor licensing fees is paying for the 10 new police officers that have gone on the beat in the last couple of years to directly target alcohol related violence," he said.

"We'd be concerned at any proposals that would remove the revenue that pays for those police officers."

Source: ABC News, 28 September 2012