When can I start serving customers with alcohol?
An Interim Authorisation can fast-track the process
An Interim Authorisation (the Authorisation) can issue to small bar and on-premises restaurant operators, in certain circumstances.
What does the Authorisation permit?
The Authorisation permits the sale of liquor on the premises to which the Authorisation relates, prior to the actual licence application being determined by Liquor and Gaming. The right is subject to the applicant meeting the following requirements:
The statutory licence conditions that would otherwise apply to the liquor licence must be followed.
Any person selling liquor on the premises to which the Authorisation relates must hold current recognised RSA certification.
The Authorisation may be revoked if any of the above requirements are not complied with.
Do I meet the criteria for the issue of an Authorisation?
To be eligible, you must:
apply online seeking standard trading hours (for small bars this is no later than 2.00am, and for restaurant operators it is no later 12 Midnight on Monday to Saturday and 10.00pm on Sunday).
have planning approval in place from the local consent authority that allows the use (i.e. small bar or restaurant/café use).
As part of the planning approval process, establish that the community were informed of the intention to serve alcohol as part of the public exhibition of the development application.
not apply for any authorisations on the liquor licence. For example, a minors area authorisation or extended trading authorisation (ETA) for a small bar licence are not allowed, and a primary service authorisation (PSA) or ETA for a restaurant are not allowed.
What if I would like an endorsement on my Licence?
If you seek an Authorisation, then any endorsements you also seek must be applied for after the liquor licence application has been finalised and the licence has been approved.
I have been issued with a Small Bar Authorisation - what is the next step?
All small bars issued with an Authorisation must notify the NSW Police and the local consent authority at least two days before commencing trading.
Submission period for restaurant operators who do not qualify for an Authorisation.
The public submission period for an on-premises (restaurant) licence application can be reduced from 30 to 14 days if you make your application online. This shortened submission period is not available for any restaurants or cafes seeking an ETA or PSA.