Liquor
Topics
Apply online for ‘one-off’ functions
If applying for a limited licence single function, apply online at www.licence.nsw.gov.au. By applying online, you will receive a better, faster service and a fee discount. See our help guide for more details.
Online Government Licensing Service - Help Guide
Changes to the liquor laws benefit licensees and the community
On 28 October 2009, changes were made to the Liquor Act 2007 to provide benefits to the liquor industry, while also assisting with enforcement of the law and community concerns about neighbourhood disturbance. Read more >
New licence forms are easier to use
Following feedback from industry associations, applicants and their representatives, we have developed ‘fillable’ PDF forms for some of our most common liquor forms. Read more >
Liquor licence freeze for parts of City of Sydney until 24 June 2010
The Liquor Amendment (Temporary Licence Freeze) Amendment Act 2009, which amends the Liquor Act 2007, commenced on 1 October 2009.
The amendments impose restrictions on the grant of certain types of liquor licences and authorisations for premises located in designated freeze precincts within the City of Sydney local government area. Read more >
Alcohol restrictions for violent venues
In July 2009, the Premier announced a graduated system of restrictions on violent licensed venues. This system will generally be based on the number of assaults on their premises.
The system replaced a system that applied to the ‘top 48’ violent venues in the State and re-categorisation will be possible twice a year based in part on a review of annual assault data.
Read more >
Safer Nights Out
A new resource to support safe and enjoyable drinking environments in NSW
'Safer Nights Out – Safety practices and strategies to reduce alcohol related violence' provides licensees, community and regulatory authorities with many strategies to achieve better safety outcomes in licensed premises and surrounding precincts.
Read more >
Practical and real liquor laws
The current liquor laws were introduced on 1 July 2008 - the Liquor Act 2007 and the Liquor Regulation 2008 signalled a comprehensive reform, rewriting laws that had been in place for 25 years.
The laws allow for a variety of hospitality, dining and entertainment choices. The three key objectives of the current laws are to:
- regulate and control the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in a way that is consistent with the expectations, needs and aspirations of the community
- facilitate the balanced development, in the public interest, of the liquor industry through a flexible and practical system of regulation with minimal formality and technicality
- contribute to the responsible development of related industries such as the live music, entertainment, tourism and hospitality industries.
Community expectations are a major driver behind the laws. So people working in the industry, such as licensees, need to:
- minimise harm associated with misuse and abuse of alcohol (including harm arising from violence and other anti-social behaviour)
- encourage responsible attitudes and practices towards the promotion, sale, supply, service and consumption of alcohol
- ensure that the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol contributes to, and does not detract from, the amenity of community life.
Did you know?
You can check the status of a licence application or amendment online using the applications noticeboard
Hot topics
- Handling glassing incidents in your venue
- Can I sell alcohol online?
- What liquor signs do I need?
- Want to open a small bar?
- Want to sell wine at a trade fairs, wine show or producers’ market?
- What is a self-exclusion agreement and how does it work?
- Changing the licence name or transferring a liquor licence?
- Frequently asked questions
Information updates
We frequently publish new resources to help you better understand the liquor laws.
For updates, visit latest news.
To keep up to date, join our free liquor eNews service and receive news directly to your email in-box.
Other resources are also available at www.communities.nsw.gov.au 