Liquor Licensing

A question put forward to the Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for the City of Adelaide) regarding liquor licensing.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:34): My questions are for the Minister for Consumer Affairs on the subject of liquor licensing:

1.How many licensed premises in South Australia have not had an inspection in the last three years?

2.How long does the average inspection take?

3.How many fines were issued, for what types of offences and how many in each category?

4.How many prosecutions were recorded, for what types of offences and how many in each category?

5.What action was taken as a result of prosecutions?

6.What has been the impact of the initiative from the 2009-10 budget of conducting 400 additional priority 1 inspections?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for the City of Adelaide) (14:35): I thank the honourable member for her important questions. The Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner inspectors are responsible for the physical inspection of our licensed premises, and that is about ensuring compliance with the Liquor Licensing Act and other conditions of the licence as well. Inspectors also prepare reports for the licensing authority on new applications and applications which have the potential to impact on the local community.

The enforcement of the act is assisted by the police, and to this end SAPOL has a dedicated licensing enforcement branch. SAPOL also has dedicated drug action sergeants in all local service areas with responsibility for alcohol and drug management issues. For example, police have primary responsibility for policing matters such as minors, the service of intoxicated people, overcrowding, trading hours and other behavioural issues.
Licensed premises total approximately 5,600. They are assessed annually on a risk associated with three different categories to determine the frequency of their inspections. Priority 1 venues are inspected every 12 months; priority 2 are inspected every two years; and priority 3 are inspected every three years. The licensed premises throughout the state are inspected on a regular basis and premises considered high risk are flagged priority 1; those considered medium risk are flagged as priority 2; and those that are flagged as low risk are considered priority 3.
The estimated results for visits for 2009-10 are: priority 1, 1,364; priority 2, 1,390; and priority 3, 471. The estimated result for 2009-10 in priority 1 premises was 1,364 inspections, as I said. There was a minor variance between that and the target that was established. In terms of the details in relation to the other questions that the honourable member asked, I am happy to take those on notice and bring back a response.