Government suspends over 1100 liquor licenses
Posted by editor (editor) on Aug 11 2009
2009 >>

Minister responsible for liquor and gaming, Peter Lawlor, announced that over 1100 liquor licences remain suspended for nonpayment of fees due on 31 July 2009.

Changes to liquor licensing laws in January 2009 introduced an annual fee for liquor licensees, payable by 31 July each year.

“Annual fees for licences ensure the liquor industry carries some of the cost of regulating the industry,” said Minister Lawlor.

“The State’s 6550 licensees had until midnight on 31 July to pay their annual fees,” he said.

“It is disappointing to see this many businesses do not take their responsibilities seriously”.

Figures from the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) show that 1118 licensees had not paid their fees as at 5 August 2009. On Saturday 1 August 2009, these liquor licences were automatically suspended. If the licensees fail to pay their annual fees by 28 August 2009, their licence will be automatically cancelled.

Licensees under suspension are not only prohibited from selling alcohol, but from carrying alcohol on their premises.

13 licensed venues have had their gaming machines disabled due to their failure to pay their liquor licence fee and will remain so until such payment is made.

“Licensees are on notice. Officers from OLGR are conducting State-wide inspections and investigations to ensure no-one is trading while suspended,” said Minister Lawlor.

Officers from OLGR have already ordered a number of premises around the State that have not paid their fees to close. These premises include the Gordonvale Bowls Club in Cairns, Flaschengeist Lov Gifts in Maroochydore, Sushi Qld in Southport and Ciccio’s Pasta Bar in Brisbane.

OLGR officers will continue their State-wide sweep until all licensees have paid their fees or have been closed down.

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 4:04 PM