Liquor Licence NSWGeneral bar liquor licence (NSW)
A general bar licence, a class of hotel licence, suits larger bars where alcohol is the main business. There's no patron cap under the Liquor Act, but takeaway sales and gaming machines aren't permitted, and a SoRPE and plan of management are required.
What the licence allows
You can
- Run a venue where alcohol is the main business
- No patron cap under the Liquor Act (council and fire limits still apply)
- Live music, entertainment and functions
- Minors in authorised areas, with an authorisation
- Trade after midnight, with an extended trading authorisation
- Vary the 6-hour closure period, with approval
Limits
- No takeaway sales
- No gaming machines
- Food and free drinking water must be available
- A SoRPE and plan of management are required
Authorisations often added
- Extended trading
- Minors (included with a new licence)
- 6-hour closure variation
Applying for authorisations together with the licence is usually quicker than adding them later.
Cost
The cost depends on the authorisations you need. Our calculator gives an estimate that includes our professional costs and all NSW Government fees and charges.
Common questions
Both suit venues where alcohol is the main business and there's no patron cap under the Liquor Act. A hotel licence also allows takeaway sales and gaming machines, subject to gaming approvals. A general bar licence doesn't allow takeaway or gaming.
An authorisation to trade beyond standard hours. On-premises, bar and hotel licences have standard hours to midnight, so extended trading covers trading after midnight. Small bars already trade to 2am, and bottle shops can extend Sunday trading from 10pm to midnight. Regular late trading also increases your annual licence fee.
A Statement of Risks and Potential Effects (SoRPE) describes the impact a liquor licence might have on the local community. Certain applications need one, depending on the licence type and the notification required. A well-prepared SoRPE deals with risks before objectors raise them.