business.gov.au

Small Bar Licence - New South Wales

Description

You may need this licence if you intend to operate a bar that holds a maximum of 120 patrons without gaming machines. The licence authorises:

  • alcohol to be sold for consumption on the premises
  • house-made cocktails to be sold for consumption on and away from the premises (if sealed)
  • alcohol to be sold on the premises (but not for takeaway)
  • the provision of entertainment at the premises
  • standard trading hours from between 10am and 12am - with extended trading at additional cost.

Please note that if you intend to operate a bar with a capacity larger than 120 patrons, you will need to apply under other licence types that are available, such as the general bar licence.

Service type

Licence

A licence defines the need to obtain recognition / certification and registration to undertake a certain business activity.

Eligibility requirements

For you to be eligible for this licence, the Authority must be satisfied that:

  • where required, development consent has been obtained from the local consent authority (usually the local Council) to operate a small bar during the proposed trading hours
  • you are a fit and proper person
  • responsible serving practices will be in place, including all licensees and staff having completed a Responsible Service of Alcohol course and hold a valid NSW competency card
  • notification of any Development Application has been provided to the relevant Agencies - if notification has not been provided within two working days, a Community Impact Statement (CIS) is required
  • where CIS is required, that the overall social impact will not be detrimental to the well-being of the local or broader community
  • in the case of an extended trading authorisation, that the quiet and good order of the neighbourhood will not be disturbed.

You can apply as an individual or a corporation. If you are applying as a corporation, you must have an appointed manager that has been approved by the Authority.

Prerequisites

Might Need

National Police Certificate

Fees

Fees Details for this service in table format.

Task Type Business Structure Description
Apply Application All

Fees can be found here. Fees for 2025 

Other resources

Task Business Structure Resources Important
Apply All Licence Conditions Form - Small Bar - PDF (Opens in new window) Important

Act(s) name

Liquor Act 2007 New South Wales

Regulation(s) name

Liquor Regulation 2018 New South Wales

Application process

Apply

An interim small bar authorisation will be issued after your application is submitted to allow you to trade immediately pending final licence approval. However, this authorisation can only be issued if you do not apply for extended trading authorisation at the time (you can still apply after application has been approved).

Administering agency

Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport

Liquor and Gaming NSW

Contact details

Contact Email, Phone and Address Details for this service in simple two column table format, header then data.