Since 1998, the Chief Health Officer has had the ability to intervene in matters before the Licensing Authority to make representations regarding harm or ill-health caused to people, or any group of people, due to the use of liquor, and the minimisation of that harm or ill-health (Section 69(8a)(b), Liquor Control Act 1988).
If they choose to, the Licensing Authority also has the ability to require a report from the Chief Health Officer on matters relating to a particular application (Section 69(8a)(a)).
Does the Chief Health Officer have any decision making power in the liquor licensing process?
The Chief Health Officer is not a decision maker in the liquor licensing process. The Licensing Authority makes the decisions about whether or not a licence application is granted.