The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) has extended the deadline for submissions into its review of the Newcastle liquor laws.
The review is looking at the special conditions that have applied to 15 hotels and bars in Newcastle’s CBD since 2008. The deadline for submissions is now 7 February.
A spokesperson for ILGA explained to TheShout the reason behind the new date.
“ILGA has extended this deadline from the original date of 24 January after today discovering a technical problem with the email address for receiving submissions. (newcastle.review@ilga.nsw.gov.au),” the spokesperson said.
“The problem may have resulted in some submissions not being received. It has been resolved. Anyone who has emailed a submission is advised to check it has been received by calling ILGA on (02) 9995 0402.”
The review will be conducted by barrister Jonathan Horton QC, who assisted with the Callinan review of the Sydney Entertainment Precinct lockouts and in announcing the review last year, ILGA Chair Philip Crawford said the review will give the local community, police, businesses and other groups a chance to have their say.
ILGA said that there is no specific deadline for the review to be completed and although submissions to the review will be made public, ILGA said it has not yet determined exactly when this will occur.
The spokesperson added: “As part of his review, Jonathan Horton QC has met with key stakeholders in Newcastle to get their feedback and views on the licence conditions that currently apply to venues in Newcastle’s CBD. These meetings will continue this month.
“Once Mr Horton has finalised his review and drafted his report, the matter will be considered by ILGA.”