COMMUNITY groups will no longer have to apply for liquor licences to sell alcohol at local events, after red tape was slashed, along with a mile-high pile of paperwork that came with it.

President of the Freestone Hall Committee John Payne has welcomed the change with open arms and said it was a step in the right direction.

"It's great news," Mr Payne said.

"It's one less cost that we have to make up (usually about $70) and it means less paperwork and essentially makes events easier to put on."

Warwick Crime Stoppers president and Southern Downs regional councillor Jo McNally said she, too, was pleased with the slashing of red tape.

"It definitely streamlines the whole process," Cr McNally said.

"It wasn't too much of an onerous task, but it was just another box we had to tick off that took time and money, so this makes the process much easier.

"This was one thing the government could have cut, and they have, so we definitely welcome it."

Member for Southern Downs Lawrence Springborg said the change, passed in parliament last week, gave community groups, such as P&Cs and service clubs, more freedom.

"Many of the previous regulations and requirements were unnecessary and only created extra work for local groups planning fundraising and community events," he said.

Mr Springborg said the new laws were part of the Newman Government's commitment to reducing red tape by 20%.

"These new laws will take the hassle out of what should be fun local events," he said.

What it means

•  Scrap expensive risk-assessed management plans and community impact statements for low risk venues that apply for liquor licences, as long as they meet certain criteria
•   Save businesses from laborious application forms and unnecessary costs that run into the thousands
•  Bring regulations affecting nursing homes and hospitals into line with retirement villages by allowing the sale of small amounts of alcohol to patients and visitors without requiring a licence
•  Streamline the licence application process for low risk venues such as restaurants and cafes