Using Cumulative Impact Assessment as a Smokescreen in New South Wales Alcohol Harm Reduction Laws: A Commentary

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Alcohol Policy
• Urban Planning

Background:

• The 2020 amendment to the New South Wales Liquor Act permits the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) to approve new liquor licenses in Sydney's CBD.
• This was facilitated by the introduction of Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA).
• The amendment incorporated 'promotion of business vitality' into social impact assessment guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the implications of the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) methodology introduced by the 2020 NSW liquor law amendment.
• To evaluate the potential impact of the CIA strategy on alcohol-related harm in Sydney's CBD.
• To assess the influence of industry lobbying on the revised liquor licensing framework.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the 2020 New South Wales Liquor Act amendment and associated ILGA Guideline (18).
• Examination of the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) methodology's application and criteria.
• Review of the balance between promoting business vitality and mitigating alcohol-related harm.

Main Results:

• The CIA strategy, while appearing objective, relies on intangible criteria and selective data.
• This approach may increase the likelihood of liquor license approvals.
• The methodology risks exacerbating alcohol-related harm despite its stated aims.

Conclusions:

• The implementation of Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) in Sydney's CBD liquor licensing, influenced by industry, poses a risk to public health.
• The reliance on subjective criteria within the CIA framework requires critical evaluation.
• Further research is needed to quantify the actual impact of CIA on alcohol-related harms.