Introduction
If you want to operate a small bar in NSW, you'll need to apply for a small bar licence.
A small bar licence allows you to sell alcohol for consumption on the licensed premises, but does not allow gaming or take-away liquor. This liquor licence allows a maximum of 120 customers, over the age of 18, on the premises during authorised trading hours.
How to apply
- Check the eligibility requirements.
- Gather the required documents and information.
- Select the ‘Apply online’ button.
- Register or sign in to OneGov.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload and attach your supporting documents.
- Submit your application with payment.
Note: Before submitting your application, or within 2 working days of applying, lodge a notice (which is part of the application) and send a copy of the application, to:
- the local police station
- local council or other consent authority
- any other local council or consent authority within 500 metres of the premises
- the Lands division of NSW Department of Primary Industries, if the trade fair premises are on Crown land.
Eligibility
To submit an application, you must declare:
- you are 18 years or older
- the licensee is not suspended or disqualified from holding a liquor licence.
What you need
Before you apply for a small bar licence, you must:
- get development consent, or make an application for development consent or an application to change an existing one
- notify both NSW Police and the Secretary of the NSW Department of Customer Service within 2 working days of lodging your development application with the council.
In your notification, include the:
- record of lodgement you received when you lodged your development application
- proposed licence name
- premises address
- date of the development application
- council or consent authority name.
If you didn't get development consent, or you missed the 2 working day deadline to notify both the NSW Police and the Secretary of the NSW Department of Customer Service, you must submit a Category B community impact statement (CIS).
When you're ready to apply, you’ll need:
- a OneGov account
- your contact details
- details of the proposed licensee, the premises and business owner
- a floor plan clearly showing the boundaries proposed for the small bar
- a copy of your local council development approval or consent (if applicable)
- a completed applicant declaration – 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
- evidence you have completed Licensee and Advanced Licensee training
- a current NSW Police Certificate issued within the last 3 months
- the 3 identity documents you used when applying for the National Police Certificate.
If you're applying as an organisation, you'll also need:
- ABN, ACN or Y/Inc
- the names and birthdates of all directors and office holders (if a proprietary company)
- a current Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) extract
- an Appointment of manager notice – PDF.
More information
- Your application will be posted to the Liquor Applications Noticeboard. The application will be open for public submissions for 30 days before it is assessed.
- If you do not complete all the requirements listed on the application form, your application may be delayed or rejected.
- You must comply with liquor laws and statutory liquor licence requirements.
- You can tailor your licence to meet your needs by applying for authorisations and exemptions. For more information, visit the Small bar licence page on the Liquor & Gaming NSW website.
- Licensees who already hold an existing on-premises or hotel (general bar) licence which was current as at 13 January 2020, can convert that licence to a small bar licence free of charge until 28 February 2021. For more information, visit the Small bar licence page on the Liquor & Gaming NSW website.