If you are considering undertaking alterations or renovations to your club, you must consider requirements mandated by The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) and ensure that you remain compliant.
In most instances, clubs must seek prior approval from the OLGR before making any changes to the licensed premises. This is applicable to the following:
- major alterations or renovations
- an increase or decrease in the size of the licensed area footprint
OLGR approval is not required when the proposed alterations or renovations do not fall within the criteria listed above and where the estimated costs of the changes are less than $50,000 and will not alter the acoustic qualities of the licensed premises.
Clubs should also consider if any structural work or refurbishment may impact pre-existing acoustic conditions which are endorsed on their liquor licence. If you have previously had acoustic testing done and have noise conditions in an area of the club which is being altered, be mindful of any potential impacts which may negate these conditions.
The application process
Where approval to undertake renovations is required, all clubs must lodge an application with the OLGR and obtain conditional approval prior to the commencement of any construction work.
Clubs should complete a Form 23 Application to alter, rebuild or change the licensed premises, which is a requirement under the Liquor Act 1992 (Qld) (the Act). A description of the proposed alterations, commencement and anticipated completion date, and estimated cost of the project must be indicated in the form.
Documentation to be included with the application includes:
- scaled layout plans showing the proposed alterations or changes
- a site plan showing the location of the existing and new licensed areas on the site, and the neighbouring premises relative to the licensed area
- if the premises is being rebuilt – a site plan showing that the premises is being rebuilt on the same licensed area
- development consent (if applicable)
If the licensed area of the club will change as a result of the application, either by an increase or decrease, then a Form 24 Application to change the licensed area must also be submitted.
The Commissioner may determine that an application to alter, rebuild, change or increase the area of the licensed premises be advertised under Section 118(1)(e) of the Act if it is considered that residents or businesses in the locality could potentially be affected.
Once the OLGR has granted conditional approval, the alterations can commence in accordance with the approved plans.
Final approval
Following completion of the work, clubs are required to submit a Form 26 Statement of Completed Works to the OLGR.
This will enable them to provide final approval and will facilitate trading in areas subject to the alterations.
Photos of all renovated areas should be included with the Form 26. This may negate the need for an OLGR officer to conduct a site visit and can allow for a faster final approval process.
In cases where the renovations or structural work are undertaken in distinct separate phases, a club can apply for a staged approval.
A Form 23 Application to alter, rebuild or change the licensed premises should be lodged at the outset with a detailed description of each phase including specific works to be undertaken and anticipated dates for start and completion of the work.
A separate Form 26 Statement of Completed Works with accompanying photos will need to be lodged at the completion of each stage of work. Clubs should also be mindful that in some instances, the OLGR will undertake a site inspection prior to issuing final approval and photos may not always be sufficient for this purpose.