When you need a liquor licence
Under the Liquor Act 2019, in most cases you need a liquor licence to sell, supply or serve alcohol.
If you are supplying alcohol but it's not part of your core business, you may need to register.
Certain authorities are exempt from requiring a licence and from registering.
When you don't need to apply
You do not need a licence or registration to:
- sell gift baskets or floral arrangements that includes a single alcohol product
- sell small amounts of alcohol in essences, such as vanilla extract, in containers of 50ml or less
- provide alcohol at a workplace or family celebration, such as a Christmas party
- serve up to 2 standard drinks per person per day at a retirement village, residential care facility or hospital, if approved by the facility's responsible body.
When you need a liquor licence
A liquor licence is required if you intend to sell, supply or serve alcohol as part of a core business or commercial activity.
This includes:
- selling alcohol at a bar, restaurant, bottle shop or event
- including alcohol in a paid packages, such as an event ticket or accommodation deals
- selling takeaway alcohol or operating a delivery service with alcohol.
How to get a liquor licence
You get a liquor licence by applying for the authority type for the business or activities you want to conduct.
Sometimes you may need to apply for more than one authority.
Your authority sets the rules and conditions of your liquor licence.
Read more about the types of liquor licence authorities you can apply for.
When you must register
You need to register if you sell, serve, or supply alcohol, but it is not part of your core business or if you are supplying wholesale alcohol.
This includes:
- selling wholesale alcohol to other businesses
- allowing customers to bring their own alcohol (BYO) while you serve it
- providing free alcoholic drinks to customers, such as at a hairdresser, bookstore or similar business
- serving alcohol for your small community group.
Read more about registering.
Exemptions
Some locations are exempted from requiring a licence and from registering.
Defence establishments:
- Naval, army, or air force messes, canteens, camps, or posts authorised by military authorities.
- Canteens or facilities operated under regulations of the Defence Act 1903 (Cth).
Legislative Assembly precincts:
- Areas within the Legislative Assembly authorised by the Speaker.
Transportation services:
- Vessels on voyages of at least 150 km, or while berthed in a Territory port, with the master's authority.
- Aircraft in flight with the pilot's authority.
- Trains during journeys with the catering officer's authority.
Specific facilities:
- The Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap Area.