The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) has refused a new packaged liquor licence for a Liquorland store at Alstonville, after receiving 122 community submissions opposing the application.
Liquorland Australia submitted an application under the Liquor Act 2007 (the Act) and proposed to operate the standalone store in Alstonville Plaza. ILGA received two submissions supporting the application from interests connected to the shopping centre and the applicant.
ILGA Chairperson Caroline Lamb said the level of community engagement with the proposal was exceptionally high for a small community, reflecting a high degree of concern.
Submissions consistently raised concerns about the perceived risk of financial harm to small local businesses, including a net reduction in employment opportunities and a change to the character of the community, if a large corporate competitor was introduced.
The submissions emphasised a, “desire to maintain the village character of the community and the amenity of community life” and were given significant weight by ILGA because they reflected the community’s views about the nature of their town.
Ms Lamb said the Act requires ILGA to have regard to the need for harm minimisation and the balanced development, in the public interest, of the liquor industry.
“We do not accept that approving an application for a new packaged liquor licence is in the public interest unless a new licence will contribute to, and not detract from, the amenity of community life,” she said.
“The evidence before the Authority is that the grant of a licence in this application will detract from the amenity of community life.”
The decision highlights the importance of community input in ensuring ILGA’s decisions reflect community expectations, needs and aspirations, and comply with the objects of the Act. It also supports ILGA’s assessment of amenity impacts and public interest considerations, as the Act requires.
The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) can review ILGA’s decision.
View the published decision at https://www.ilga.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-03/260309-Published-Decision-Liquorland-Alstonville–new-PLL.pdf.
The Authority welcomes submissions from members of the public for liquor applications. For more information about liquor licensing applications in your local area, visit the Liquor & Gaming NSW application noticeboard at https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/liquor-and-gaming/community-hub/application-noticeboard.