Here's some general frequently asked questions about alcohol licensing.
The Act aims to promote the safe and responsible sale, supply, and consumption of alcohol and to minimise alcohol-related harm.
The Act provides for 4 types of licences: On-licence, Off-licence, Club licence, and Special licence.
An on-licence allows the sale and consumption of alcohol on the premises, such as in a bar, restaurant, or café.
An off-licence allows the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises, such as in supermarkets and bottle stores, including sale for delivery and sales at a distance.
A club licence allows a club, such as a sports club or RSA, to sell alcohol to its members and their guests for consumption on the premises.
A special licence allows the sale and supply of alcohol at special events or occasions, such as a festival or private function.
Nationally the default maximum trading hours are 8am to 4am for on-licences or club licences, and 7am to 11pm for off-licences, subject to restrictions on specified public holidays.
See our Local Alcohol Policy for the trading hours that apply locally.
A local alcohol policy (LAP) is a set of policies and rules developed by council in consultation with the community to control the sale and supply of alcohol in their area. It can set more restrictive conditions and trading hours than the default national trading hours.
About licences
District Licensing Committees (DLCs) are responsible for issuing licences.
For more information on our DLC
The specific criteria includes the suitability of the applicant, the Local Alcohol Policy, the proposed trading hours, the design and layout of the premises and the potential impact on the local community.
No, liquor licences are not transferable.
A new owner must apply for their own licence.
They must apply for temporary authority order to operate until their own licence has been approved.
A temporary authority order is issued by the DLC and allows the new owner to trade using the existing alcohol licence for a period not exceeding 3 months.
The new owner must apply for a temporary authority at least 15 working days before they take over the business.
For more information on temporary authority order
Yes, any member of the public can object to a licence application.
Objections must be made in writing and based on specific criteria such as the suitability of the applicant or the impact on the community.
See our district licensing information on making an objection.
A licence can be suspended or cancelled by the District Licensing Committee or the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) if the licence holder breaches the conditions of the licence or the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.
ARLA is a national body that oversees the work of District Licensing Committees, handles appeals and serious complaints about licence holders, and can suspend or cancel licences.
Yes, there's restrictions aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm, such as not targeting minors and avoiding promoting excessive consumption or irresponsible drinking behaviours.
Also see our Local Alcohol Policy.
Yes, a licence holder can apply to the District Licensing Committee to vary the conditions of their licence if circumstances change or if they wish to amend trading hours or other operational aspects.
All managers must hold a manager’s certificate, which demonstrates that they're responsible and knowledgeable about the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
A manager must be on duty at all times when alcohol is being sold.
Information about licensed premises is available from council or the District Licensing Committee
Host responsibility
Penalties can include fines, suspension or cancellation of the licence and criminal charges against the seller and the licence holder.
Licence holders must ensure that intoxicated persons are not served alcohol and must take reasonable steps to remove them from the premises safely.
No, it is illegal to sell alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated.
Doing so can result in fines and penalties for both the staff member and the licence holder.
Staff must be trained in the responsible sale and supply of alcohol. This includes understanding their legal obligations, identifying signs of intoxication and knowing how to refuse service safely.