Territorians will have the opportunity for greater involvement during determinations of liquor licence applications under new guidelines that provide for public hearings into applications for new liquor licences and for variation of existing licenses where a valid objection has been made.  The new guidelines, issued by the Director-General of Licensing and endorsed by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, mean that public hearings can be part of the investigation process for determining liquor licence applications.

Any organisations and individuals will be able to attend the hearings, to make submissions where they have lodged a valid objection, or just to observe the process.  Media representatives will also be able to attend and report on the event, although audio and video recording of the proceedings will not be permitted.

The Director-General of Licensing will hold a public hearing if a valid objection to a liquor licensing application has been lodged.  This will include applications to establish new licensed premises or applications to change the terms of existing licenses, such as trading hours, the size of the licensed premises or the type and quantity of liquor that can be sold. 

The hearings will provide a forum for submissions from interested parties such as neighbouring residents and business operators; Police; health, education and other public authorities; and local action groups who have formally objected to the application.  These parties will have official “standing” at the hearings, although other members of the public will be able to attend and observe the process.

 A public hearing will also be held where a valid complaint against a licensee has been made.