Providing alcohol without a meal

A primary service authorisation

This type of endorsement applies to an on-premises licence. It permits customers to be served with liquor without the requirement, for example, to consume a meal at the venue.

You can apply for a primary service authorisation (PSA) to be endorsed on an existing licence, or as part of a new application for an on-premises liquor licence (the Licence).

A PSA triggers the requirement for the preparation of a Statement of Risks and Potential Effects (SoRPE). The SoRPE describes the possible impacts that may be caused to a community by granting the PSA.

When should I apply for a PSA?

In NSW a PSA can be applied for: -

• at the time the Application is made for the grant of the Licence, or

• after the Licence issues by NSW Liquor and Gaming (L&G).

The decision as to when to apply for a PSA is a “timing” related matter. 

For example:-

• A restaurant licence application, without endorsements, is typically approved by the L&G within approximately four weeks of lodgement.

• If a PSA is included as part of the restaurant licence application, then both the licence and PSA are typically approved between two to three months of lodgement.

• Should the PSA application be submitted to the L&G separately to the restaurant licence application, then it cannot be filed with the L&G until the licence is officially granted. Even if an Interim Restaurant Authorisation has issued by L&G, the PSA application must still await the final approval of the licence. In the scenario where the PSA Application (that is supported by a SoRPE) is submitted to the L&G shortly after the licence is granted, then the applicant should anticipate a delay of at least two to three months before the PSA is approved.