A general liquor licence authorises the sale of liquor on premises between 5 am and 12 midnight daily, for consumption on or off the premises. This licence is usually issued to hotels and taverns.
A club liquor licence authorises the sale of liquor on the club's premises between 5 am and 12 midnight daily, for consumption on or off the premises. This licence is usually issued to sporting or RSL clubs.
The sale of liquor under this licence is limited to:
- a member of the club;
- a guest of a member of the club;
- a visitor to the club;
- a member of another club which has a reciprocal membership arrangement with the club;
- a competitor in an event conducted or hosted by the club on that day;
- a spectator of an event conducted or hosted by the club on that day; or
- a person who is attending a meeting of, or a function conducted by, an organisation which the Commissioner is satisfied is not operated for profit.
Liquor cannot be sold to other organisations/groups for resale by those groups. Entry restrictions apply to non-club members.
A special permit (Club Permit) authorises the sale of liquor on the premises of a sporting club, generally up to 15 hours per week. Club permits are issued for the sale of liquor where the primary purpose is related to the sporting activities of the Club (competition season). Applications should be submitted at least 28 days prior to the date you wish to start selling liquor. Refer our Permits page for further information and application form.
On Licence
An on licence authorises the sale of liquor for consumption on the licensed premises between 5 am and 12 midnight daily. This licence is usually issued to some nightclubs, bars and bar/restaurants. If a licensee wishes to sell liquor for consumption off the licensed premises for specific occasions or events (such as street dining), he or she should apply for an off permit. An off permit will not be issued to authorise general liquor sales. An on licence also authorises the sale of liquor at a restaurant for consumption with or without food. If an on licence is granted for a restaurant (where the principal activity is serving food for consumption on the premises) the premises must continue to be operated as a restaurant.
Off Licence
An off licence authorises the sale of liquor between 5 am and 12 midnight daily for consumption off the licensed premises. This licence is usually issued to bottle shops as a stand alone facility or associated with a hotel.
A special licence authorises the sale of liquor between specified times and subject to conditions specified in the licence. This licence can be issued for the sale of liquor in areas of the hospitality industry with specific limitations and restrictions such as restaurants, function centres, tertiary institutions, accommodation providers, wine producers or tourist attractions.
The current licensee must apply to the Commissioner for Licensing for approval to transfer their liquor licence to another person.
The licensee will remain responsible for the sale and consumption of liquor at the licensed premises until the transfer application has been approved and must ensure they maintain effective control over the sale and consumption of liquor during this period.
A licensee cannot transfer their licence to another premises. In the instance where the licensee moves premises and wishes to sell liquor at the new premises, they must apply for a new liquor licence.
Any liquor permit in effect, such as an Off Permit or Out of Hours Permit will cease once the transfer application has been approved. The incoming licensee will need to make a new application for any intended permit/s.
If a licensee attempts to transfer their licence without approval, the Commissioner is likely to commence disciplinary action against that licensee.
If a transfer application is refused by the Commissioner, the licence will remain with the current licensee.
Please note: Whilst the transfer application is underway the licensee maintains the right to surrender the licence at any time.
Assessment of the application
If you provide us with a complete application, we aim to advise you of the outcome of your application within 4 - 6 weeks. In some cases it may take longer (see below). The current licensee must remain responsible during this time unless an Interim Authority is in effect.
Your application must contain:
- a fully completed application form signed by the incoming and outgoing licensee;
- the application fee; and
- all required supporting information (as outlined in the transfer application form).
The application process may take longer if:
- your application is incomplete and we need to follow up with you;
- the Commissioner requires additional information to properly consider your application;
- an extended public holiday period is approaching.
Interim Authority to act as Licensee
In the event the current licensee is unable or unwilling to continue meeting their obligations as licensee whilst the transfer application is under consideration, an Interim Authority to act as Licensee will be required.
This authority will allow the interim authority holder to be taken as the licensee of the premises. Any permit in force at the premises will continue and the interim authority holder will be taken to be the holder of that permit, until the transfer application is approved.
Once the transfer application is approved, the incoming licensee will need to make a new application for any permit/s.
Application Forms and Guides
A licensee must not allow a person to serve liquor on licensed premises unless the person -
(a) has successfully completed an "approved course" - (RSA training course); or
(b) has been an employee of the licensee for, in aggregate, less than 3 months and is -
(i) undertaking an approved RSA training course; or
(ii) formally enrolled in an approved RSA training course that is scheduled to start within 3 months from the day on which the person is permitted to serve the liquor. The RSA training course is to be held within 3 months of commencing employment.
Information on RSA courses can be found here.
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