Lodging an Objection

To object to an alcohol licence application, you need to have a 'greater interest than the general public'. For more information on the 'greater interest' criteria, click here.

Your objection must be in writing and must be filed with the Council within 15 working days after the date of the first newspaper notice. Objections can be filed by post, email, fax or in person.

What to include in your objection

Your letter of objection must include:

• the name and location of the licensed premises or proposed premises.
• why you consider you have an interest that is greater than the general public.
• your grounds for objection (click here to see what you may object to).
• your signature.
• your name, address and contact details including phone number.

What happens to your objection?

You will be sent an acknowledgement when we receive your objection - this will go to the name and address supplied. A copy of your objection will also be forwarded to the alcohol licence applicant.

Your objection will be assessed to make sure it meets the criteria for consideration, ie that you have an interest greater than the general public and that your grounds for objection meet the criteria.

Alcohol licence applications which have been objected to will be considered at a Public Hearing of the DLC. You will be advised of the hearing date, time and location. If your objection is in the form of a petition, we will notify the petition spokesperson.

It is not compulsory for objectors to attend or speak at the hearing, however, the Committee may get a better understanding of the objection if the objector attends the Hearing to speak about their concerns.

Who will know about your objection?

We are required to forward a copy of all objections and reports to the alcohol licence applicant. Applicants are entitled to know the basis of any objections so they can consider whether to amend their proposal, continue with their application or prepare a response to the objections. Some applicants may invite objectors or members of the public to a meeting to discuss concerns raised.

The contact details of objectors will not be published or advertised, however, the names of objectors and the basis of the objection may be included in the DLC decision, which will be publicly available.