What is a CIS and when do I need one?

A CIS is a Community Impact Statement which is submitted with all new applications for a liquor license. There are two types of CIS – ‘Standard' and ‘Full' assessments.

A Standard CIS addresses both positive and negative impacts of the proposed liquor license on the local community, in particular, residents and businesses within 200m. Typically, these impacts would relate to noise, traffic, employment, tourism, safety, character etc.

A full CIS includes a social profile of the local area and an assessment of community risk, health and social impacts. The full CIS also reports on the outcome of consultation with residents, businesses and key advisors. A Full CIS is required for commercial hotel licences, nightclubs, trading hours after 2am, and night-time entertainment where the noise exceeds 90dBA;

In some cases (after advertising has been completed), the Office of Liquor, Gaming Regulation may request an upgrade of a Standard CIS to a Full CIS. This is usually due to concerns about the size or nature of the proposal, the objections received or the location of the proposal (low socio-economic area, within 200 metres of sensitive facilities, or in an area where there is a high concentration of licensed premises, i.e. Gold Coast, Fortitude Valley, or Mooloolaba).