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This document explains the provisions in the Liquor Control Act 1988 (LC Act), which set out how documents relating to applications for a liquor licence or permit may be inspected. It also explains what information can be obtained in relation to existing licensees.
An applicant for a liquor licence or permit must include in their application whatever documentation is required by the Director of Liquor Licensing (DLL) in that particular case.1
The DLL may require an application to be advertised. If it is advertised, a copy of the notice of the application will be published on the DLGSC’s website.2 The website information will state that objections to the application should be lodged with the DLL by a specified date.3 From the publication of the notice till the specified date is the ‘objection period’. Before the expiry of the objection period, any person can object to the application for a licence/permit.4
Before the objection period expires, documents lodged by the licensee as part of the application can be inspected by any person for no charge at the DLGSC office where the documents are held — photocopies will not be provided. The documents which may be inspected include:
Any person wishing to inspect these documents must make an appointment with the Coordinator of the Liquor Licensing section of the DLGSC before the expiry of the objection period. Arrangements for viewing will made at a time that is operationally convenient, for example during normal working hours.
After the objection period has finished, and before the DLL has determined the application, parties to proceedings7 may inspect the documents which the DLL will rely on in making the determination.
Parties to proceedings are people who have objected to the application, and can also include people who are authorised to intervene under section 69 of the LC Act, which include the:
Applicants should consider not lodging confidential information, or redacting information they consider to be sensitive. This is because documents may be viewed by other parties if their licensing application is advertised, or if an objection or intervention under section 69 is made. Note however, that when determining the application, the DLL will generally only consider documents which are also available for inspection.
A party who wishes an application document to remain confidential may make an application to the DLL for directions restricting the disclosure of the document lodged, to some or all of the parties to the proceeding.8
A person may request a general search of a licence record held by the DLGSC by completing the Request for Search of a Licensed Premises form, which provides access to the following information:
If a person wishes to undertake a more detailed search of the DLGSC’s database in relation to an active licensed premises, they must have the written consent of the licensee to access or inspect those documents.
The Search of licensed premises page provides a scale of fees for the different types of searches which are available.
Access to internal DLGSC documents will generally not be permitted. People who are considering making a Freedom of Information application under the Freedom of Information Act 1992 should refer to the DLGSC’s Freedom of Information policy statement.
Further information on licence requirements is available, or contact 61 8 6551 4888.
The factsheet on this subject is general information and is not professional advice or a legal opinion. The information is provided on the understanding that any person reading it must take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy.