NSW TREASURER KEEN TO SEE TAKEAWAY ALCOHOL BECOME THE NEW NORM

One of the few perks of the COVID-19 shutdown was the relaxation of liquor laws. And they could be here to stay, even after pubs and clubs re-open in “stage three” of the National Cabinet’s three-step coronavirus plan.

Speaking to 9 News, NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is keen to see takeaway cocktails, wine and beer from licensed venues become our new normal.

“I think if the world hasn’t ended, and these restrictions as they’ve been lifted haven’t really had a substantial negative effect, then we shouldn’t bring them back,” Mr Perrottet said of resuming normal liquor laws.

It was revealed the government’s $10,000 small business grants will now also be made available to micro-breweries, distilleries and wineries suffering from shutdowns.

A whopping 22,000 of the grants have already been approved to eligible businesses – totalling $220 million in support.

Cafes, bars and restaurants make up 20.7 per cent of applications made.

Watch the interview here>>>>

https://www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/coronavirus-australia-live-updates/live-coverage/42630123191cf451ca7edd261f9258e7#47464

https://twitter.com/i/status/1259401319800070146

Under the relaxed laws small bars and other licensed restaurants and cafes are now able to sell takeaway alcohol and deliveries.

This has been made possible by the Deputy Secretary of the Better Regulation Division of the Department of Customer Service issuing a Statement of Regulatory Intent that outlines how compliance with certain requirements will be approached.

The statement indicates that a flexible approach will be taken where licensed venues wish to provide home delivery or takeaway services, even where those liquor licences do not authorise the sale of alcohol for consumption away from the premises.

You can only sell takeaway liquor and home deliver liquor if you have a current liquor licence – unlicensed venues are not able to sell liquor under any circumstances.

There are no explicit limits on the volume of alcohol that can be supplied for consumption away from the licensed premise. However, formal regulations will be put in place should examples of inappropriate practices emerge.

There are no restrictions on the type of alcohol. Pre-mixed cocktails are permitted.

You can only sell liquor during the existing trading hours on your licence. However, if you have trading hours which extend beyond midnight you cannot sell liquor after midnight (or 11pm on Sundays). This is because bottle shops and hotels must cease takeaway and home delivery liquor sales at these times.

For further information from NSW Liquor & Gaming click here >>>

https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/covid-19-coronavirus-faqs-for-the-liquor-and-gaming-industries