Online liquor sales and delivery consultation begins

• The Department of Justice and Attorney-General is seeking stakeholder comment on a new draft regulatory framework for online liquor sales and delivery in Queensland.
• Queensland’s current legislation for liquor, the Liquor Act 1992, and Wine Industry Act 1994, focuses on ‘bricks and mortar’ licensed premises, and does not provide explicit authorisations or harm-minimisation obligations in relation to online liquor sales for delivery.
• The Department is seeking the views of key industry, community, and government stakeholders on the potential benefits, costs, risks, issues and general impacts associated with the proposed regulatory framework.

This initial phase of consultation will be open until 10 May 2023 and will inform further policy development and recommendations on the new regulatory framework.

The consultation process, which delivers on a 2020 election commitment, will also be opened up to the public in the near future so Queenslanders can have their say on the regulation of online liquor sales and delivery.

Quotes attributed to Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman: 

“Research shows the dangers of ordering liquor online and having it delivered, and we want to address the high risks associated with these sales, including the potential supply of liquor to minors and unduly intoxicated people.

“We know ordering liquor online and having it delivered offers customers greater convenience and provides commercial benefits for liquor retailers and delivery businesses, but we must ensure appropriate safeguards exist to ensure potential harm and violence is minimised.

“We have already seen New South Wales and Victoria implement new legislation to regulate the online sale and delivery of liquor and this issue requires our attention too.

“I encourage the liquor industry and community stakeholders to read the consultation paper and have their say, their views are valued and will contribute to ensuring we get this important reform right.

Further information:

Formal responses can be emailed to onlinesales@justice.qld.gov.au, or mailed to:

Online Liquor Sales and Delivery Framework

Office of Regulatory Policy

Department of Justice and Attorney-General

Locked Bag 180

CITY EAST QLD  4002

ENDS

Media contact: Natarjsha Kramer 0456 436 934