Risk-assessed management plans (RAMP) for liquor licence applications
A risk-assessed management plan (RAMP) describes the management practices and procedures of a liquor licensed premises.
The purpose of a RAMP is to outline how you'll manage your premises to minimise harm caused by alcohol abuse and misuse. It ensures you trade in accordance with the Liquor Act 1992 and the operation of your premises won't adversely affect the local area.
Your RAMP must be approved by the Queensland Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming.
Applications that require a RAMP
In Queensland, you'll need to lodge a RAMP as part of your application if you're applying for:
- a new liquor licence
- ongoing extended trading hours
- a permanent variation of your liquor licence
- a permanent change to the licensed area
- a licence transfer
- a restricted liquor permit
- car park approval.
Attach it to your application form when you submit it to the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR).
Who doesn't need a RAMP
Certain applicants don't need a RAMP because their business is considered low risk. These include:
- florist and gift basket licence applicants
- commercial–other subsidiary on-premises (meals or café) licence applicants, provided their premises
- won't open past midnight
- isn't licensed to provide adult entertainment
- isn't in a restricted area
- won't adversely impact the surrounding area.
What to include in a RAMP
A RAMP details your management practices and procedures. It must address:
- the principal activity of your business
- the maximum operating hours
- responsible service of alcohol initiatives
- participation in a local liquor accord (if applicable)
- security arrangements (e.g. how many security staff, when they attend and for how long, etc.)
- provision of food (type, when it'll be available, etc.)
- staff training
- strategies for minimising the impact of noise on the surrounding area.
What to do when your RAMP is approved
The Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming must approve your RAMP. Once approved, you'll receive a copy, certified by the Commissioner's delegate. The latest approved version replaces all previous versions.
You'll need to keep it onsite and make it available for inspection by anyone who asks to see it. You must also display signage about your RAMP being available for inspection in an obvious place.
All staff and crowd controllers need to be aware of your RAMP and must comply with it when performing their duties.
Changing a RAMP
You can change your RAMP by lodging your proposed changes with OLGR. The Commissioner will need to approve them.
If you don't advise us of any changes to the way you operate, OLGR may take action, including issuing fines or suspending your licence, or another action.
Notice to change your RAMP
We may issue you a written notice to change your RAMP. The notice will explain:
- the required changes
- the reasons for these changes
- when the amended RAMP must be provided to OLGR.
Circumstances that may require you to change your RAMP include:
- when a condition is imposed on your licence
- to ensure appropriate compliance with the Liquor Act
- to minimise alcohol-related disturbance or public disorder in or near your premises
- because of a tribunal decision.
You must comply with the direction to change your RAMP, otherwise you'll be committing an offence. The maximum penalty is $4,032 (25 penalty units). Penalty amounts are current at 1 July. The amounts increase each year on this date.
The new RAMP takes effect on the date of the notice that your RAMP is approved.