How to object to a liquor or wine licence application

Individuals, businesses and organisations can object to a liquor or wine licence application that is advertised. This includes new licence applications and applications to change liquor licences.

Comments and feedback help the Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming make an informed decision about whether to grant the licence.

View applications open for public comment

We must receive your comment by the advertising closing date.

Eligibility to object

You can lodge an objection if you believe the licence could:

  • impact the local area
  • affect the lives of people living around the licensed premises.

To lodge an objection, you must:

  • be over 18
  • live near the venue or be directly affected by the licence being granted
  • have valid grounds for the objection.

Grounds for objection

Your grounds (or basis) for objection are only valid if the proposal may:

  • cause harm from alcohol abuse or misuse or alcohol-associated violence
  • negatively affect the health or safety of the public or the environment around the local premises
  • cause undue offence, annoy, disturb or inconvenience people who
    • live or work in the area
    • travel to or from a place of worship, hospital or school.

How to object

Email your objection to OLGRlicensing@justice.qld.gov.au.

We must receive it by the advertising closing date.

You can submit your objection individually or as a group.

Note: The applicant will receive a copy of your objection, including your personal details. You need to tell us if you don't want your details shared.

Group petitions

You can lodge your objection by group petition. A petition must be in writing and include:

  • an identical heading on each page that is legible to signatories and clearly states the subject matter—use this petition template as a guide
  • information about each signatory's connection with the area (e.g. their home or work address)
  • the petition sponsor's name (i.e. the name of the contact person who will liaise between the Commissioner and the signatories) on each sheet.

To lodge the petition, email it to OLGRlicensing@justice.qld.gov.au.

Note: The applicant will receive a copy of your objection, including your personal details. You need to tell us if you don't want your details shared.

Decision-making process

Your objection will become part of the application process.

When deciding the outcome, the Commissioner will consider:

  • how granting the licence will affect the local community, including what the area will be like to live in, visit and enjoy
  • the number and type of objections and comments received.

Read the reasons for decisions about past applications.

Notifying you of the outcome

We will inform you of the outcome.

If your objection was lodged by petition, only the petition sponsor will be notified.

Appealing the decision

To appeal the Commissioner's decision, the applicant or a valid objector can apply to Queensland Civil and Administration Tribunal (QCAT) within 28 days of the date of the letter advising of the decision.

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