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If you plan to open up your very own bar, restaurant or pub in 2025, it’s important to ask yourself whether you will be selling any alcoholic beverages to your customers. If the answer is yes, you’ll need to look into a Liquor Licence.
A Liquor Licence governs the sale and service of alcohol, so it’s imperative that you follow the latest regulatory process and apply for the correct licence tailored to your business’s needs. Staying up-to-date with the current guidelines helps ensure that your establishment remains compliant and avoids unnecessary penalties.
Types Of Liquor Licences
Under the current 2025 regulations, there are different types of liquor licences available. It’s worth reviewing all the options to choose the one that best suits your business model. For example, you could consider one of the following:
- General bar
- Small bar
- Packaged
- Wholesaler
- Club
- Limited licence – single function
Small Bar Licence
Let’s say you’ve launched a modest, local bar – a relaxed, friendly venue without elaborate entertainment features such as gaming machines. You want your bar to become a community favourite by focusing on great service and a welcoming atmosphere.
Under updated 2025 guidelines, some of the typical features of a small bar include:
- Permitting entry for under 18s before a specified time in accordance with responsible service guidelines
- Allowing alcohol to be consumed solely on the premises
- Not permitting takeaway orders for alcohol
If this model suits your business, you’d want to apply for a Small Bar Licence, which is ideal for venues with a maximum capacity of 120 people. If you anticipate hosting more than 120 patrons, you should consider a General Bar Licence. Always check the latest occupancy guidelines published by your local regulator to ensure compliance.
In 2025, it’s also possible to apply for multiple liquor licence types or secure certain exemptions. This flexibility makes it easier to adjust your licence as your business evolves and to tailor conditions to your specific operating needs.
You can also use the Licence Selector Tool to get a clearer idea of which licence option is ideal for your business in today’s regulatory environment.
Do Liquor Licence Laws Differ From State To State?
Regulations around the sale of alcohol vary from state to state, so it’s essential to ensure you’re reviewing the correct set of laws applicable to your location in 2025. This means checking local requirements and any recent amendments before applying.
For example, if you’re based in Victoria, you should consult the VCGLR website to explore the appropriate liquor licence options and regulatory requirements.
Are There Any Exceptions To A Liquor Licence?
There are several instances where you might not need to apply for a liquor licence. Under the current 2025 framework, exemptions often apply if your business falls into one of the following categories:
- Bed and breakfast establishment
- Retirement village
- Cruise vessel
- Aircraft
- Hospital
- Nursing home
- Auction
If you operate a BYO restaurant, the Liquor Act 2007 (amended in line with 2025 standards) specifies that a liquor licence is not required. However, you must still comply with relevant rules and secure approval from your local council – a requirement that applies to NSW businesses.
For example, even in a BYO establishment, serving alcohol to a minor remains strictly prohibited.
Who Can Help Me Apply For A Liquor Licence?
When submitting your liquor licence application, it’s crucial that you provide all the necessary details about your business. Ensuring your application is thorough helps you secure the most suitable licence while potentially opening the door to exemptions or adjustments tailored to your operations.
It’s a smart move to get professional legal advice during this process. At Sprintlaw, our Liquor Licence package includes:
- An application for a National Police Certificate
- A comprehensive Liquor Licence application
- Phone consultations with a Sprintlaw lawyer, who will advise you on the legal issues that affect your business and help ensure your documentation is in order
For further guidance on ensuring your business complies with all legal requirements – from registration to ongoing compliance – you might also explore our Legal Requirements for Starting a Business guide, as well as our insights on Business Set-Up Services.
Staying current with the latest 2025 regulations can be challenging, but our team at Sprintlaw is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re registering your business with the appropriate authorities, managing multiple liquor licences, or need advice on exemptions for BYO establishments, our comprehensive Legal Advice Package and Business Set-Up Services ensure that all your legal matters are sorted. We also offer expert insights into related matters such as employment law and intellectual property protection to help safeguard your overall business interests.
What Now?
Complying with the latest laws is always a top priority for any business. If you’d like a consultation to explore your options and ensure your licence application is spot on, feel free to reach us on 1800 730 617 or via email at team@sprintlaw.com.au for a free, no-obligations chat.
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