Risk-assessed management plan (RAMP)

A risk-assessed management plan (RAMP) is a document that describes a liquor licensee's management practices and procedures at their licensed premises.

The purpose of a RAMP is to outline how a licensee will manage their premises to minimise harm caused by alcohol abuse and misuse. This is a requirement of the Liquor Act 1992.

Liquor licence applications that require a RAMP

You will need to provide a RAMP as part of your application if you are applying for any of the following liquor licences:

• new liquor licence applications
• extended trading hours approvals
• permanent variation of licence applications
• permanent changes in licensed area
• transfers of existing licence
• restricted liquor permits
• car park approval.

Liquor licence applications that don't require a RAMP

A RAMP will not be required when applying for subsidiary on-premises meals and café licences, provided the premises is low risk and the:

• premises will not be open past 12 midnight
• licensee does not hold an adult entertainment permit
• venue is not in a restricted area.

However, a RAMP may be required if the application could impact on the surrounding area.

A RAMP will not be required when applying for florist and gift basket licences.

What to include in a RAMP

A RAMP specifically details a licensee's management practices and procedures at the premises. A RAMP is required to address:

• the principal activity that will be conducted on the premises
• the maximum hours of operation
• details of responsible service of alcohol initiatives
• details of participation in a liquor accord in the locality (if applicable)
• details of security arrangements (how many, when, for how long, etc.)
• the provision of food (types, when it will be available, etc.)
• staff training
• minimising the impact of amplified/outdoor entertainment on the surrounding locality.

A RAMP requires approval by the Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming. The RAMP ensures that the licensee or permit holder trades in accordance with the requirements of the Liquor Act and that the operation of the premises will not have an adverse effect on the locality.

A RAMP may be changed as long as any proposed amendments are lodged with OLGR and approved by the Commissioner prior to it taking effect.

The licensee or permit holder must notify the Commissioner of any change in proposed operating practices by lodging a new RAMP.

Failure to advise the Commissioner of any changes to operating practices may result in remedial action.

Approved RAMP

When a RAMP is approved by the Commissioner, the licensee receives a copy of this document certified by a delegate of the Commissioner as a true and correct copy.

The approved RAMP states the date of approval and this document supersedes all previous versions.

Notice to change a RAMP

The Commissioner may issue a licensee or permit holder operating within a safe night precinct, restricted or other area, a written notice to change their RAMP to explain:

• the required changes to the RAMP
• the reasons for these changes
• when the amended plan must be provided to the Commissioner.

This may be to impose a condition on the licence:

• to ensure appropriate compliance with the Liquor Act
• to minimise alcohol-related disturbance or public disorder in or near the premises
• or
• as a result of a tribunal decision.

The licensee or permit holder must comply with the direction, otherwise they are committing an offence. The maximum penalty is 25 penalty units ($3,593). Penalties are current at 1 July. The values change each year on this date.

The amended plan takes effect on the day the Commissioner gives the notice to the licensee and does not depend on the licence being amended.