Legislation passed in February 2013 allows for the granting of a new category of licence, “the Small Venue Licence”.
The State Government says this new category of licence is to “encourage entrepreneurs to develop small businesses without the potential difficulties and costs associated with existing licences.”
Applications are of course open to anyone and we would encourage anyone to apply for a small venue licence if they meet the criteria. These are:
An annual fee will apply for a small venue licence.
All small venue licence applications will need to be advertised. There is no right to object to the licence application, however there is a general right for residents and businesses to make written submissions to the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner regarding a small venue licence application. The Commissioner must have regard to these submissions when determining whether to grant a licence however there is no requirement for conciliation.
Many existing small venues currently hold Entertainment Venue or Special Circumstance Licences and clearly when this new category of licence was suggested the AHA was active in ensuring existing licence holders would not be disadvantaged.
Small Venue licences are covered by the HIGA Industrial award that applies to other bars, taverns and hotels.
Holders of Small Venue Licences are also eligible to become members of the AHA, and receive all the benefits the AHA provides.
Application and submission forms too apply for a Small Venue Licence are available at www.cbs.sa.gov.au.
2012