Guideline 42: Risk-assessed management plan (RAMP)

Liquor Act 1992 – Sections 50, 51, 52, 52A and 105A
Liquor Regulation 2002 – Section 38A

A risk-assessed management plan (RAMP) is a document containing information about the procedures and practices prescribed under section 38A of the Liquor Regulation 2002 for the conduct of business at the premises.

When a RAMP is required

A RAMP is required for:

• new licence applications (with the exception of low-risk premises, see below)
• extended trading hours approvals
• permanent variation of licence applications
• permanent changes in licensed area
• transfers of existing licence
• change in principal activity of the licence
• restricted liquor permits
• a car park approval.

When a RAMP is not required

A RAMP is not required if the application relates to a low-risk premises. A low-risk premises is a premises to which a commercial other subsidiary on-premises licence relates, and

• the principal activity is the provision of meals (restaurant) or provision of prepared food (café)
• has no approved extended trading hours beyond midnight
• is not covered by an adult entertainment permit
• and
• is not located in a restricted area.

A RAMP is also not required for a commercial other subsidiary off-premises licence for gift basket businesses or florists.

What to include in a RAMP

A RAMP must address:

• responsible service of alcohol (RSA) – description of practices, training for staff employed to ensure RSA
• liquor accord – details of membership if applicable, matters addressed by the liquor accord.
• Arrangements at the premises with respect to:
  • lighting – describe lighting within and outside premises for security purposes
  • noise mitigation – describe how the licensee monitors noise levels, structural devices within the premises and management practices to reduce noise levels, processes in response to noise complaints
  • security – detail the numbers employed throughout a 'standard' week, specifying where security providers are to be assigned to different areas of the premises. Describe employment of security with respect to private and public functions held on the premises and how the licensee would cater to changes to number of patrons; provide details of closed circuit television
  • transport services – describe transport services available to patrons leaving the premises (e.g. local transport, taxi ranks, access to phone to call for transport)
• provision of meals – describe available catering services for the provision of meals to patrons. Specify types of service, for example bistro/bar dining, à la carte menu, buffet, barbeque, and availability of these services (e.g. hours for meals, lunch or dinner only)
• training of staff – detail training processes for staff. Include relevant liquor licensing matters that the licensee trains staff to deal with; how regularly the licensee conducts training; how the licensee keeps staff updated with liquor licensing legislation
• dealing with minors on the premises – describe management practices with respect to preventing minors on premises where appropriate and dealing with minors found on the premises
• dealing with unduly intoxicated and disorderly patrons on the premises – describe the methods employed by staff to deal with unduly intoxicated and disorderly patrons
• how the impact of the business on the amenity of the community will be limited – provide detail on how the premises will mitigate noise from emptying bins, generators, etc., patron behaviour in and around the licensed premises particularly leaving the premises at closing time, litter from premises, parking or any other issue that may commonly arise
• consultation with community and liquor industry groups – describe matters on which the licensee has consulted with any community or liquor industry groups and outcomes
• ensuring the conduct of business at the premises complies with the Act and other laws – outline strategies/practices employed to manage the following in accordance with the relevant legislation including the Liquor Act
  • footpath dining
  • designated outdoor smoking area
  • advertising of events
  • number of patrons on premises (e.g. building regulations or bar licence (limited to 60 patrons))
  • adult entertainment
  • functions on premises
  • catering off-site.

The responses to each of the above matters must be of sufficient detail to satisfy the Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming and to provide the basis for conditioning the operation of the liquor licence.

Re-issued 19 August 2016
(Issued 22 May 2009; re-issued 20 December 2013, re-issued 24 January 2013)

Also consider...

• Read more about risk-assessed management plans (RAMP).
• Learn more about responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training.
• Learn more about compliance for liquor licensees.
• Read the Liquor Act 1992.
• Read the Liquor Regulation 2002.