Community members, pubs and clubs will be able to appeal decisions by NSW's liquor and gambling regulator under changes proposed by the state government.
Under the reforms, the independent Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing will be replaced by a new government regulator, Liquor and Gaming NSW.
The body will also provide support staff for the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA), which makes decisions on high-risk licence applications such as new bottle shops or nightclubs.
Deputy Premier Troy Grant says the changes, which include a 20 per cent boost in compliance officers, is needed to clear a backlog of liquor applications and complaints, remove inefficiencies and resolve community confusion in the current system including lockout laws and 10pm bottle shop closures.
"Liquor laws in NSW have never been tougher and we need a regulator that is equipped to effectively enforce these laws," Mr Grant said in a statement on Saturday.
People who are affected by liquor licence decisions will also be able to lodge low-cost appeals for the first time.
"Previously a decision made by ILGA was final, unless you had the financial capacity for a Supreme Court appeal, making it almost impossible for the community's voice to be properly heard," Mr Grant said.
The changes are set to be implemented over the next six months.
But Greens MP John Kaye is angry about the changes, saying they seriously weaken the community's ability to withstand the power of the hotel and club industries.
"Deputy Premier Troy Grant is turning the Authority (ILGA) into a toothless tiger by stripping it of staff who are free from political pressure," Mr Kaye said in a statement.
"If this goes ahead, the minister will be able to exercise influence over its decisions through pressure on staff and pubs and clubs will inevitably deploy expensive lawyers to overturn any determination they don't like."
Mr Kaye said the Greens would move to send the legislation to an inquiry if it was implemented.
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