Becoming an approved licensee

You must be able to show you are a 'fit and proper person' if you want to become:

• a liquor licence holder, also known as a licensee
• a nominee on a new liquor licence
• a nominee on an existing liquor licence.

Liquor licence nominees are delegated by the licence holder to supervise daily operations of the premises and are usually managers.

How to qualify

To qualify as a fit and proper person, you must prove you are responsible and have the right skills and knowledge to run your business.

You can show evidence of this through your application and supporting documentation.

How you are assessed

All liquor licence applications are assessed under the Liquor Act 2019.

When deciding if you are a fit and proper person, the following things will be considered:

• your general character
• your reputation
• how you conduct yourself personally and professionally.

This includes information about whether or not you, your business partners or your proposed managers or nominees:

• understand your responsibilities as a liquor licence or permit holder
  • particularly the type of licence or permit you are applying for
• have ever been declared bankrupt or had action taken against you under bankruptcy laws
• have ever breached liquor laws
• have ever been arrested, or summonsed, charged or convicted of an offence
• have satisfactory criminal history and referee checks
• can demonstrate a responsible attitude to managing and carrying out your financial responsibilities.

You must also provide information in your liquor licence application about anyone who will have a significant role or influence over the business. This is done by declaring your associates.