Completing a community impact statement (CIS) for liquor licence applications

Certain Queensland liquor licence applications require a community impact statement (CIS), explaining how the licensed premises will minimise its impact on the local community.

The CIS must provide a profile of the community and examine any possible health and social impacts from granting the application.

Refer to Guideline 38: Community impact statement for more information.

Who needs to complete a CIS

A CIS is required for:

  • new liquor licence applications (except for community—other licences)
  • applications to vary liquor licences
  • permanently extending trading hours between 12midnight and 2am.

Minimum CIS requirements

A CIS must contain the following at a minimum:

  • nature and type of facilities
  • definition and parameters of the local community area
  • positive and negative health and social impacts on the local community and potential harm to any group, including (but not limited to)
    • a cost-benefit analysis
    • details of any sensitive facilities within 200m of the site
    • noise impact or change to the amenity of the local area
    • cultural, recreational, employment or tourism benefits
    • safety issues—for example, public disorder, vandalism, public drunkenness
    • impact on, or change to, the character or identity of the local community
  • harm mitigation measures
  • evidence that approval won't cause harm from having too many venues in 1 area.

Additional CIS requirements

Additional information is required for the following liquor licence applications:

  • commercial hotel licence
  • nightclub licence
  • commercial special facility
  • applications to extend trading hours after 2am.

The additional requirements to include are:

  • a record of consultation with residents and businesses within 200m of the site
  • a survey of the broader local community area
  • evidence of consultation with a minimum of 8 key community advisers.

When a CIS isn't required

You can ask the Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming to waive the need for a CIS if your:

  • application doesn't involve a significant change to the premise's operations
  • premise is in a remote location
  • CIS's purpose was achieved another way
  • application involves other special circumstances.

Restaurants or cafés applying for a commercial—other liquor licence may not need a CIS if the premise:

  • is located in a commercial complex
  • doesn't trade between midnight and 1am
  • doesn't have amplified entertainment
  • won't adversely affect the surrounding community.

Submit your waiver request in writing with your liquor licence application.

Also consider...

  • Last reviewed: 23 Feb 2023
  • Last updated: 18 Sep 2023