Industry Update: the Vibrancy Reform Series (Part 1)

The Government’s new Vibrancy Reforms make it easier for venues to temporarily change their liquor licence boundaries.

Footpaths and roads: For footpaths and roads, council approval is required. Proposed conditions include food being available at all times, the approved licensed boundary plan kept on hand for inspection, alcohol served only within licensed boundaries, and approval being revocable by council, the landholder, or Liquor & Gaming NSW. Applications are usually processed within five business days, and licensees may provide comments before a decision.

Private land: For other types of land, landholder consent is required. Similar conditions apply, with additional restrictions such as no gaming machines and no outdoor rooftops. Applications are generally processed within ten business days, and licensees may also provide comments before a decision.

Permanent approval: Venues that have successfully operated under a temporary approval for twelve months or more may be eligible to fast-track permanent approval, provided council and landholder consent is obtained, compliance has maintained, and the conditions remain the same. Otherwise, the standard Liquor Licence Manager process applies.