Apply for a small bar liquor licence

Introduction

If you want to operate a small bar in NSW, you'll need to apply for a small bar liquor licence.

A small bar licence allows you to sell alcohol for consumption on the licensed premises, but does not allow gaming.

This liquor licence allows a maximum of 120 customers on the premises during authorised trading hours.

Eligibility

You must be 18 years or older.

What you need

Before you apply for a small bar licence you must check with the local council if you need to lodge a new development consent application.

• If you do need to lodge a new development consent application:
  • You must notify NSW Police and Liquor & Gaming NSW within 2 days of lodging your development consent application with council. Use the Notice of Development Consent application – PDF form.
  • You do not need to submit a Statement of Risks and Potential Effects (SoRPE).
• If you don't need to lodge a new development consent application, or you missed the 2 working day deadline to notify NSW Police and Liquor & Gaming NSW, you must submit a Statement of Risks and Potential Effects (SoRPE).

When you're ready to apply, you’ll need:

• a OneGov account or a MyServiceNSW Account
• details of the proposed licensee, the premises and business owner
• a floor plan clearly showing the boundaries proposed for the small bar (see How to submit a floor plan with licence application – PDF)
• a copy of your local council development approval or consent (if applicable)
• a completed applicant declaration – PDF (if applicable)
• a completed Licence conditions form: small bar – PDF (if applicable)
• your payment.

If you're applying as an individual, you'll also need:

• evidence of your Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) qualification including Licensee and Advanced Licensee training (if applicable)
• a current NSW Police Check certificate issued within the last 3 months
• the 3 identity documents you used when applying for the National Police Check.

If you're applying as an organisation, you'll also need:

• ABN or ACN
• a current Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) extract
• the names and birthdates of all directors and office holders (if it is a proprietary company)
• a completed appointment of manager notice.

How to apply

1. Check the eligibility requirements.
2. Gather required documents.
3. Select the 'Apply online' button.
4. Log in or create an account.
5. Follow the prompts to complete your application.

More information

Authorisations and exemptions

You can tailor your licence to meet your needs by applying for authorisations and exemptions, for example extended opening hours and takeaway liquor sales. 

In certain circumstances you may be eligible to apply for an interim small bar authorisation (ISA). The ISA allows you to begin trading 2 days after you have informed NSW Police and your local council when you wish to operate, and after you've lodged your licence application with Liquor & Gaming NSW.

For more information about authorisations, visit the Liquor & Gaming NSW small bar licence page.