Liquor Control Act 1988

The Liquor Control Act 1988 is an Act to determine:

  • where alcohol is available
  • when alcohol is available – time of day, day of the week
  • how alcohol is made available – licence type with different conditions.

The primary objects of this Act are to:

  • regulate the sale, supply and consumption of liquor 
  • minimise harm or ill-health caused to people, or any group of people, due to the use of liquor 
  • cater for the requirements of consumers for liquor and related services, with regard to the proper development of the liquor industry, the tourism industry and other hospitality industries in the State.

Since 1988, the Chief Health Officer (previously the Executive Director, Public Health), has had the ability to intervene in matters before the Licensing Authority to make representations regarding harm or ill health due to the use of liquor, and the minimisation of that harm or ill-health .

If they choose to, the Licensing Authority also has the ability to require a report from the Chief Health Officer on matters relating to a particular application.

The following information addresses frequently asked questions about liquor licensing:

Key Chief Health Officer liquor licensing activity statistics

Applications reviewed Interventions Objections Percentage
 2013  343 45  0 13.1%
2014 341 31  0 9.0%
2015 322 32  0 9.9%
2016  317  45   3  14.2% 
2017 404  59   0  14.6%