Seminars to ease licensing process for small bars

http://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au

Sydney council is offering a series of free seminars in the latest step in its strategy to assist people interested in opening a small bar following the changes to liquor licensing laws.

The City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City had been “inundated” with inquiries for information following the roll out of the new liquor licensing regulations that aimed to make it less expensive to open a small bar business.

The City is also at the moment working with the Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing to streamline information required for DA applications and the alcohol licence to avoid any duplication with "Community Impact Statements".

So far just two new bars have opened in the CBD under the new laws—Drink Station and Small Bar opened simultaneously in Erskine Street in Sydney's CBD in December last year.

Moore said another five development applications had been approved and an additional 10 were expected within the next month for new small bars in Glebe, Broadway, Ultimo and the CBD.

“The process though isn't always easy and these new Small Bar Seminars will provide advice, information and support to hopefully help people get started,” Moore said.

The Small Bar seminars will feature information about alcohol licences, processes, and some of the issues and benefits of small bars.

Speakers will include experts from the Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing, financial areas, and planning, as well as a current small bar operator.

The council is also offering business development matched-cash grants of up to $30,000 to encourage the creation of small retail, service and hospitality businesses which are looking to set up in CBD laneways. The new business Small Bar which backs onto Sussex Lane was the recipient of the City of Sydney's first matched funding.

Moore said the new Liquor Act 2007 and changes to the City's Late Night Trading Development Control Plan are aimed at improving the anti-competitive nature of the hospitality industry by decreasing the cost of licenses and streamlining the application process, while at the same time increasing penalties for venue operators caught doing the wrong thing.

“We want to encourage a better mix of venues like small bars and provide opportunities and support for local and emerging entrepreneurs, by reactivating parts of the city centre at night and building a diverse, eclectic and unique culture.”

The seminars will be held April 27, July 28 and November 5. For further information and bookings contact smallbarsinfo@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au