Producer/wholesaler Liquor Licence
A producer/wholesaler liquor licence authorises the sale of their own product by both retail (to the general public) and wholesale (to restaurants, bars and bottle shops, etc).
A producer/wholesaler licence permits the business to:
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conduct tastings on premises
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sell the licensee's product by retail, including both by online delivery and on premises (if council approval is in place)
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sell the licensee's product by wholesale, to other holders of liquor licences, such as restaurants, bars, bottle shops and other wholesalers)
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sell the licensee's product by retail at trade fairs, industry shows and farmer's markets
What is the licensee's own product?
Historically, to qualify for a producer/wholesaler liquor licence, the licensee must produce their own product on the licensed premises. However, recent amendments to the Liquor Act 2007 expand the definition of 'licensee's own product' and now make it possible for some forms of liquor to be produced offsite.
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For example:
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In the case of cider, perry or mead, it will be the licensee's own product if it has been produced:
(i) by or under the direction of the licensee (or a related corporation of the licensee) on the licensed premises, or
(ii) on the licensee’s behalf from fruit grown or honey produced by the licensee.
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In the case of beer or spirits, it will be the licensee's own product if:
(i) the product has been produced on the licensed premises, or
(ii) the licensee has a financial interest in the production, including if the product has been produced by or under the direction of the licensee or a related corporation of the licensee, and the licensee or related corporation has assumed the financial risk of the production.
What if my product is produced off site?
Under standard 'contract brewing' or 'contract distilling' arrangements, beer or spirits produced offsite may still be classified as the licensee's own product and therefore be eligible for sale under a producer/wholesaler liquor licence.
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If your business does not qualify for a producer/wholesaler liquor licence, consider whether an individual wholesaler (only) liquor licence or a packaged liquor licence would suit your business model.
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A wholesaler liquor licence will allow the sale and supply of your liquor product by wholesale only.
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A packaged liquor licence will allow the sale and supply of your liquor product by retail and wholesale.
Drink on premises authorisation
A drink on premises authorisation may be applied to a producer/wholesaler liquor licence to permit the sale, supply and consumption of liquor on the premises. Essentially, this authorisation allows patrons to consume liquor, including the licensee's own product on the premises.​
Micro breweries and small distilleries authorisation
A special drink on premises authorisation is available for micro breweries and small distilleries with a patron capacity of 120 or less.
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This authorisation much the same as the standard drink on premises authorisation, except it is only available to producers of beer, cider or spirits and there are more restrictions on the sale of liquor that is not the licensee's own product.
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