Apply for a liquor licence

Preparing some parts of a liquor licence application can be complex, you can choose to get legal assistance or you can complete the process yourself.

Before you apply

When you need a liquor licence

Types of liquor licences

Who can apply for a liquor licence

Appointing nominees

Documents you need

Lodging forms, fees and timeframes

Apply for your licence

If you're ready to apply, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Complete the application for the licence type you're applying for

Step 2. Collect your supporting documents.

The application includes a checklist of documents you will need.

Step 3. Submit your application and pay the fee

Read more about how to submit your application, processing times and fees.

If you need your liquor licence within 30 days of making your application you must pay a fast track fee.

After you apply

Depending on the licence you have applied for, there may be an advertisement requirement such as:

a sign at your proposed premises
newspaper advertisements
an online advertisement on the Department of Tourism and Hospitality website.

If this is needed, you will be contacted and supported to complete the next steps.

Application outcomes

Licensing NT will tell you the outcome of your application.

Outcomes are also posted as a decision notice on the following websites:

Not all applications get approved. If this happens, you can apply for a review of a decision.

Christmas and New Year advertising

Restrictions apply to advertising liquor licence applications over the Christmas and New Year period.

This rule applies to all applications that need to be publicly advertised.

You must either:

finish your 14 consecutive days of advertising before Sunday 13 December 2026 or
start your advertising after Monday 11 January 2027.

Contact

If you have any questions, contact Licensing NT.

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