4 Questions Answered About Your Liquor Licence in NSW

Are you looking to open a pub or bar in NSW? If you want to serve alcohol in NSW in this setting, then you are required to have a liquor licence. Below, we set out four frequently asked questions you may have if you are looking to apply for a liquor licence.

1. Are There Different Types of Liquor Licences?

Yes, there are! In NSW, there are seven types of liquor licences. The first step in applying for a liquor licence is determining which type of licence you require. These include:

• Hotel licence
• Club licence
• On-premises licence
• Small bar licence
• Packaged liquor licence
• Producer/wholesaler licence
• Limited licence

So make sure that before you begin your application, you have decided what type of business you want to establish so that you can apply for the appropriate licence.

2. How Do I Apply for a Liquor Licence?

After you have decided which licence applies to your business, you can begin your application process. The first step is to visit the NSW Liquor & Gaming website to lodge your application. This whole process can be carried out online.

Most of the application forms are generally 20 pages long and you should take care to ensure you fill it out accurately. Any mistakes can result in NSW Liquor & Gambling denying your application and you will need to resubmit.

The application process can be quite lengthy and complicated. In short, after you submit your application, it is advertised for a specific period allowing for residents, police and local council to make submissions to the NSW Liquor & Gambling. They will then, taking into account various considerations, grant or refuse the application.

3. How Much Does an Application Cost?

The fees and charges associated with a liquor licence application vary according to the type of licence you require. There are also annual fees related to maintaining your liquor licence.

4. What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Liquor Licence?

Other than the application form, a range of other documents may be required to accompany the licence application. Such documents include:

• a National Police Certificate (except where the licence is a limited licence and where the applicant is a corporation) which is used to determine the suitability of the applicant to hold a liquor licence;
• A Community Impact Statement (CIS), may also be required to accompany the application, depending on the type of licence. A CIS is used to give local community members a chance to have their say and estimate the level of community support for the licence proposal.

Key Takeaways

When deciding which liquor licence may apply to your business and your obligations it is a good idea to seek legal advice. LegalVision can also assist you with making sure you comply with your other obligations involved with running a business in NSW.

Questions about applying for a liquor licence in NSW or how to meet your other legal obligations? Let our liquor licencing lawyers know!