Online Delivery Liquor Licence
This is a sub-type of the package liquor licence suitable for online or virtual stores.
Just like the packaged liquor licence, this sub-type permits the sale of liquor to the general public, by retail, and also to wholesale customers for consumption off premises.
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However, unlike a fixed-premises packaged liquor licence, an online delivery liquor licence does not permit tastings or customers to attend the premises to purchase liquor.
Common business models
Home business based liquor licences will often utilise web-based advertising and payment platforms in conjunction with 3PL (third party logistics) providers to manage receiving, storing, packing, and shipping services. All logistics are managed offsite, away from the home business.
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Businesses may also operate out of their own warehouse and distribution facilities, managing the complete logistics experience.
If the business is online, where is the licence held?
The liquor licence is typically located where the administrative duties are undertaken (for example the processing of orders and sales). This could be within a:
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Home office - subject to satisfying the requirements of 'exempt development'
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Warehouse or industrial facility - subject council development approval
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Business suite - subject to council development approval
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There is no requirement to licence the area where liquor is stored.
Special licence conditions
In order to enforce the restricted purpose of this licence sub-type, a number of special licence conditions will usually be imposed, including:
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restricting sales to those taken via electronic means, such as over the internet (no customers may purchase liquor in person)
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prohibiting the delivery or storage of liquor at the licensed premises (unless council approval is in place)
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prohibiting the display of advertising material at the licensed premises
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prohibiting the conduct of liquor tastings at the licensed premises
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requiring the preparation of an enforceable Alcohol Plan of Management
Same day delivery
Same day delivery occurs when liquor is supplied to the customer on the same day that it was purchased. Same day delivery raises the risk profile of your liquor licence and creates additional compliance obligations, including:
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application of specific offence provisions for the delivery of liquor to minors or intoxicated persons
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special requirements in relation to proof of age
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mandatory reporting of delivery data every 6 months
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additional training requirements for delivery providers
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additional requirements in relation to record keeping and delivery cut off times
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