ACT Licensing Fee Increase Stopped

The Liquor Stores Association NSW & ACT and the Australian Liquor Stores Association’s campaign against the proposed increase to licensing fees in the ACT has been a success. The campaign ended this week with ACT Labor committing to significantly lower increases to the state’s liquor licensing fees. The party also agreed to maintain its policy position on liquor licensing fees until the end of the next term. Both of these commitments will apply if Labor is re-elected at Saturday’s ACT election.

In addition, ACT Labor has committed to consulting with the Association to invest the additional license fees into undertaking a public education campaign to promote responsible consumption of alcohol if re-elected.

The Canberra Liberals who will also be up for election have also agreed not to increase liquor licensing fees. LSA has said that it will hold the Liberals accountable for this policy during their term of government if they are successful on Saturday.

LSA said, “While ACT packaged liquor licensing fees remain the highest of any Australian jurisdiction, the policy position Labor is taking to the election is a compromise for ACT drinkers, as well as for staff and operators of local bottleshops.”

“On behalf of our members, the Association continues to advocate to key political stakeholders the importance of targeted, evidence-based reform which has a real impact on reducing the already-small incidence of risky drinking in the community. We are continuing to undertake initiatives, such as ID-25 and Don’t Buy It For Them, which are designed to educate adult Australians about the importance of consuming alcohol responsibly and discouraging purchase and supply of alcohol to minors.”

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