Standing and drinking OK outside SA pubs

A ban on drinking while standing outside pubs and clubs in South Australia is to be lifted.

Attorney General John Rau says venues are being invited to apply for the removal of conditions on their licence which require patrons to be seated while consuming alcohol in outdoor areas.

He says the change follows a successful nine-month trial at selected venues and will help boost Adelaide's growing small bar scene.

Under current provisions venues can be fined up to $1200 if patrons are caught standing but the laws are difficult to enforce.

"Patrons consuming alcohol are required to walk through a licensed outdoor area for a number of reasons, such as making a purchase or going to the bathroom," Mr Rau said.

"Often these patrons may stop and talk to somebody while in the outdoor area and essentially this is breaking the law."

The ban on drinking and standing was originally introduced to limit bad behaviour.