Premier Rockliff says reforms will ‘bring our liquor laws into 21st century’

As part of its war on red tape, the state government has revealed it will revamp liquor licencing laws. Read what is planned.

New liquor licencing laws revealed by Tasmanian government. Picture: Supplied.

If a liquor licence is not rejected within 10-days it will be deemed approved under a major overhaul of liquor licence rules revealed by the Tasmanian government.

Premier and Tourism Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the new system would be fairer and simpler, support businesses and jobs and “bring our liquor laws into the 21st century”.

There also be new licence categories and fee structure.

Treasury data showed that at January 3 this year, 1939 liquor licences had been issued with 1895 issued in the financial year ended in 2024.

“Whether you are running a small bar, a winery, a tourism business or an event – we want to make things simpler, faster and fairer,” Mr Rockliff said.

“These reforms are about modernising outdated rules, cutting red tape and importantly, creating new opportunities for small businesses.

“We will make it easier and faster to get a liquor licence through a new digital system that will allow businesses to submit applications, track their progress and receive approvals faster.

“If an application is not rejected within a 10-day time frame, the licence will be deemed approved.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff with X-Golf Launceston owner Marshall Pooley after announcing a new small business start-up permit. Picture: Supplied

Mr Rockliff said instead of applying for multiple licences business would be able to “choose a licence that fits their needs” with new fit-for-purpose licence categories “ensuring they are flexible and align with their business models”.

“These categories will include licences tailored for small producers like our wineries, cellar doors and microbreweries, as well as event permits designed for festivals and multi-vendor events to make approvals easier,” he said

“Backing in small business has always been in the DNA of our Liberal government so we are going to level the playing field and acknowledge the level of risk when considering licence fees.

“A risk-based fee structure will be implemented so low-risk businesses pay lower fees, making licensing fairer and more affordable for smaller operators like boutique wineries.”

Mr Rockliff said the reforms would remove outdated rules and ensure businesses can operate in a way that “makes sense today”.

“These reforms continue our war on red tape and will ensure Tasmania is the best place to do business in the country.”