Liquor Licence NSWHotel liquor licence (NSW)
A hotel licence is the full pub licence: drinks on the premises and takeaway, dining, entertainment and accommodation, with gaming machines available subject to gaming approvals and entitlements. A SoRPE and plan of management are required.
What the licence allows
You can
- Gaming is available: operate gaming machines, subject to gaming machine entitlements and approvals
- Serve drinks on the premises and sell takeaway, including from a bottle shop
- Dining, bistro, live music and entertainment
- Accommodation, with service to guests
- Sell at functions held at other premises, with an authorisation
- Minors in authorised areas, with an authorisation
- Trade after midnight, with an extended trading authorisation
Limits
- Must be open to the public
- 6-hour daily closure applies unless varied
- Christmas Day: meals only, noon to 10pm
- 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.
Yes. The incoming licensee applies to transfer the licence, usually with the outgoing licensee's consent, and the business can keep trading while it's assessed. Provisional approval usually comes within ten business days of a complete application, with confirmation usually within 60 days if there are no objections.
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.