Apply for a liquor permit on the Gove Peninsula

If you live, work or are visiting the Gove Peninsula, you can apply for a liquor permit to buy takeaway alcohol. This includes Nhulunbuy, Gunyangara and Yirrkala.

Alcohol permit conditions in Gove Peninsula include a:

• maximum daily limit
• a 4-level tier system.

Who can apply

You can apply for a permit if you're over 18 years old and are one of the following:

• a permanent or long-term resident
• a contractor
• a tourist or visitor with recognised accommodation.

Documents you will need

You must provide a clear, colour copy of your photo ID, such as a

• driver’s licence
• passport
• NT working with children card
• Australia Post keypass card
• evidence of age card.

You must also provide evidence of where you will be staying, visitors can provide a copy of camping permits.

Contractors need a letter from their employer confirming employment and dates in the community.

Types of permits

There are 3 types of permits you can apply for.

• permanent resident - lived in the areas for 3 months or more, you are classed as a resident. Permit is valid for 3 years
• contractors or fly in and fly out workers -  frequently comes to the region for work purposes, but not a resident
• visitor -  visiting for 3 months or less as a tourist or visitor, not for work purposes.

Visitor conditions

You can apply to have a permit for the length of your stay.

If you stay longer than your permit's end date, you must apply for a new permit.

If you're a visitor staying with a resident, you can drink alcohol under their permit while you wait for your permit to be issued.

To do this:

• the resident must have a current liquor permit
• you must follow the conditions of the resident’s permit
• the resident can provide you with alcohol, but only out of their own supply.

If you break any of the permit conditions, their permit can be revoked.

Permit conditions

In 2023 a trial of a tier level system was introduced, the system was implemented on an ongoing basis in 2025.

Apply to increase your tier level

At the end of each month, you can make a new application to increase your tier level.

• Nhulunbuy - can access up to 4 tiers
• Yirrkala and Gunyangara - can access up to 3 tiers.

Tier levels

For new permit holders or having a permit reinstated, you start at the lowest tier for one month.

Tier 1

• 6 cans or bottles of light beer.

Tier 2

• 12 cans or bottles of full-strength beer or cider or
• 1 bottle of wine or
• 6 cans or bottles of premixed drinks.

Tier 3

• 1 carton (up to 30 units) of full-strength beer or cider or
• 6 bottles of wine or
• 12 cans or bottles of premix spirits.

Tier 4

Up to 3 of any combination below.

Only 1 bottle of spirits or 1 carton (up to 24 cans or bottles) of premix spirits can be part of this combination:

• 1 carton (up to 30 units) of full-strength beer
• 1 carton (up to 30 units) of cider
• 6 bottles of wine
• 1 bottle of spirits or
• 1 carton (up to 24 cans or bottles) of premix spirits.

How to apply

If you don't have a permit and want to apply, follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in the application for a liquor permit for Gove Peninsula.

Application for a liquor permit for Gove Peninsula PDF (224.7 KB)
Application for a liquor permit for Gove Peninsula  DOCX (76.8 KB)

Step 2. Submit your form and supporting documents by emailing them to liquorpermits.ditt@nt.gov.au.

Contact

Liquor Permits – Licensing NT
GPO Box 1154
Darwin NT 0801
LiquorPermits.DITT@nt.gov.au

Phone: 08 8999 1800