This was a collaborative project between the National Centre for Research into the Prevention of Drug Abuse (NCRPDA), the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) and Professor Robert Solomon, Professor of Law with the University of Western Ontario, Canada to prepare a background briefing paper for the Alcohol Misuse and Violence Symposium, December 1993. The overall process was managed by the National Centre, with the legal expertise in relation to Australian law provided by the Institute and specialist expertise regarding server liability issues provided by Professor Robert Solomon. Perceptions regarding liquor licensing issues as they impact on alcohol related violence and possibilities for reform will be explored by means of key informant interviews with focus groups involving the liquor industry, licensing authorities, police and members of the community drawn from a wide geographical base across Australia. Data collection outside of Western Australia was undertaken by Elliot and Shanahan Research. The main purpose of the briefing paper was to assist in the development of effective strategies for reducing the harm associated with alcohol related violence in Australia.