A free advisory service and a website will give people living in NSW a greater say in liquor licensing decisions and help them deal with alcohol-related harm, a research group says.
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), and the Australian Rechabite Foundation (ARF) have co-funded the year-long pilot program to "restore balance and fairness into a system currently weighted against communities," FARE chief Michael Thorn said.
"It is important that members of the public who want to keep their local communities safe are heard and not hindered by government."
Community campaigner Tony Brown, who in 2008 was instrumental in the development of the "Newcastle conditions" that led to a 37 per cent reduction in alcohol related assaults and improved the night time economy of the northern NSW city, says he's looking forward to working on the project.
"(People) deserve a say in the liquor licensing decisions that so often affect them adversely," he said.
Mr Brown will head a free advice and assistance service, complimented by a website containing detailed action guides, case studies and research material.
