If you are experiencing problems with existing licensed premises in your area you can do something about it.
Step 1:
Speak with the Licensee or Approved Manager. They may not be aware of the problems and may be willing to put reasonable strategies in place to minimise the inconvenience that the premises is causing you or your community. Make a written note of all conversations should you need them for future reference.
Step 2:
If the Licensee or Approved Manager is unwilling to co-operate contact your local Police station. The Police are responsible for enforcing liquor laws and can deal with related complaints.
Step 3:
You can contact your local government. All local governments can have input into liquor licence applications. Some local governments have a specific alcohol policy and an alcohol management plan that outlines how they will deal with alcohol-related issues.
Step 4:
Contact the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor to make a formal complaint.
Step 5:
If your complaint is about noise a LLD/9 complaint about noise and disturbance form can be obtained and submitted. For further information contact the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor
CASE STUDY: Belmont
In June 1994, the Director of Liquor Licensing approved an Extended Trading Permit that allowed a hotel to trade on Friday and Saturday nights between midnight and 1am the following morning for a six-month period.
After the permit was granted, the Liquor Licensing Division received a number of complaints from nearby residents alleging that they were experiencing undue disturbance in the early hours of the morning on those nights when the permit operated.
The owners of a house located a short distance from the hotel initiated action. They contacted a number of residents in their street, as well as the Office of Racing, Gaming and Liquor, Liquor Licensing Division and a local government. In their letter of objection, the couple referred to young people leaving the hotel in an intoxicated state, engaging in fights and using foul language. They described the damage caused to property by drunk patrons and the high speed at which cars were leaving the hotel’s car park.
Another resident who lived in the vicinity of the hotel obtained a form LLD/9 (for complaint about noise, disturbance) from the Liquor Licensing Division. He complained about ‘unruly patrons outside the licensed premises and adjoining facilities’. The resident approached other people who lived in the vicinity of the hotel and collected the required number of signatures (ten) to support the complaint. He then posted the form to the Director of Liquor Licensing.
The Director of Liquor Licensing found that the residents were credible witnesses and that their letters and statements were consistent and reasonable. In his concluding remarks, the Director specifically instructed the licensee, who was present at the hearing, to ensure that the names of the residents be kept confidential to avoid the possibility of any recrimination against nearby residents. The Extended Trading Permit was withdrawn.
(Health Department of Western Australia (1996)