Law change could be ‘a major blow’ for wine tourism industry

A law change which would allow local authorities to decline alcohol licences based solely on the location of a business could be a major blow for wine tourism, growers say.

Under proposed changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, appeals of local alcohol policies (LAPs), under which licensing decisions are made, would no longer be allowed.

If an LAP included provisions for the density of licenced premises or their proximity to sites like schools and health facilities, district licensing committees could decline renewal of an existing licence, regardless of the business’ viability.

Last week, Parliament’s justice select committee recommended the bill be passed. It would now move to its second reading.