Raising the Bar: Liquor Accords and Shaping Safer, Smarter Venues

All licensed venues in Queensland have a duty to minimise harm (and the potential for harm) from alcohol abuse, misuse and violence. One way that licensees can demonstrate their commitment to this is through joining or creating a liquor accord. A liquor accord will assist licensees in complying with their obligations under the Liquor Act 1992 whilst contributing to the safety of local businesses and the community.

Liquor accords are voluntary partnerships between licensed venues and other community stakeholders such as local government bodies, businesses, community and welfare groups, and police. At their core, liquor accords aim to reduce alcohol-related harm and promote the responsible service of alcohol. While it is not compulsory to join or create a liquor accord, becoming a member is a great way to proactively minimise harm at your venue.

Liquor accords operate within defined regions such as geographical boundaries, including local government areas, police divisions or districts, or unique entertainment or community precincts. Accordingly, they can tailor their initiatives to address local concerns within that region. Typically, members of a liquor accord will hold meetings to discuss emerging issues and upcoming legislation changes, share best practices and implement strategies to enhance venue safety. 

Liquor accords are usually open to any licensed venue within their defined region and there are resources available from the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation to assist licensees in identifying their local liquor accord.

We would recommend contacting your local liquor accord about their process for joining and any costs involved, as some liquor accords may have a membership fee, while others may be free.

If you wish to join a liquor accord but there aren’t any in your local area, you can establish one yourself.

The process of starting your own liquor accord is briefly summarised below:

1. Define your liquor accord region based on geographical boundaries;
2. Involve key stakeholders like other liquor licensees, community groups, and authorities;
3. Fund the accord through membership fees, grants, or sponsorships;
4. Establish a working party to manage the process and coordinate activities, including a first committee;
5. Appoint a liquor accord coordinator for ongoing communication and strategy monitoring;
6. Develop local solutions to address specific issues in your area;
7. Formalise objectives with a liquor accord agreement for members;
8. Promote the liquor accord to the community and industry; and
9. Develop an evaluation process with agreed standards and indicators for the liquor accord to allow refinement of strategies if required.

Whether you are a bar, nightclub, pub, or hotel, joining a liquor accord or creating your own is a smart step towards sustainably and responsibly managing your venue including by assisting you in complying with your obligations under the Liquor Act 1992 and contributing to the safety of local businesses and the community in your area.

If you manage a liquor accord or are looking to join one or start your own, we strongly encourage you to contact an experienced professional for tailored advice.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me on (07) 3224 0230 if I can assist you with this.