A liquor accord is a voluntary agreement reached between local stakeholders who are committed to minimising harm associated with liquor use in improving safety and amenity, reducing alcohol related violence and anti social behaviour. In most cases, Accords are participatory agreements involving representatives of licensed venues, police, licensing authorities, community and business groups and local councils.

Harm minimisation and responsible service of alcohol principles underpin Accords in liquor laws.  Accords are also a pro-active means of bringing about safer neighbourhoods without the need to resort to regulation and enforcement action and ultimately court sanctions. Accords operate at a local level, involving Police and licensees and other stakeholders working cooperatively together with their communities.

Within the Launceston accord licensed premises include:

• General and on licensed premises (bars, hotels and nightclubs); 
• Club licensed premises (sporting and community clubs);
• Special licensed premises (restaurants, accommodation and tourist premises etc); and 
• Off licensed premises (bottle-shops),

The Launceston Liquor Accord has been developed as a partnership involving the input and co-operation of all key players. Key signatories and supporters of the Launceston Liquor Accord are:

• Licensees in the Launceston City Council area and wider metropolitan area of Launceston
• Tasmania Police
• Launceston City Council
• Liquor and Gaming Branch of the Department of Treasury and Finance
• Alcohol and Drug Service of the Department of Health and Human Services
• Australian Hotels Association
• Business and community groups (Launceston Chamber of Commerce, Cityprom, Taxi Combined Services)
• Organisers of cultural and music festivals (Festivale, MSFest, Tasmanian Turf Club)