How to apply for a liquor licence in NSW
In NSW, you apply for a liquor licence by submitting an application to Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) through the OneGov portal. The process requires a Community Impact Statement (CIS), development consent, a Plan of Management, and completion of Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training. The Liquor Act 2007 (NSW) governs all licence types.
The framework
Liquor Act 2007 (NSW) and Liquor Regulation 2018 (NSW). The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) is the decision-maker for contested applications.
The process
Determine the licence type
Identify the correct licence category under Part 3 of the Liquor Act 2007: hotel, club, on-premises, packaged liquor, producer/wholesaler, or small bar. Each has different conditions and trading hours.
Obtain development consent
Ensure the premises has development consent (DA) from the local council for the intended liquor-related use. If not, lodge a DA before applying for the liquor licence.
Complete RSA training
All licensees and managers must hold a current Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) competency card issued by a NSW-approved training provider.
Prepare a Community Impact Statement (CIS)
Complete a CIS addressing the positive and negative social impacts of the proposed licence on the local community. Category A (small bar, producer) requires a shorter CIS; Category B (hotel, packaged liquor) requires a detailed CIS.
Prepare a Plan of Management
Draft a Plan of Management covering noise, patron behaviour, security, CCTV, RSA practices, and complaint handling. This is required for most licence types.
Lodge the application on OneGov
Submit the application through the L&GNSW OneGov portal. Attach the CIS, Plan of Management, development consent, floor plans, RSA certificates, and proof of identity.
Publish public notice
Display notice of the application at the premises and publish it in a local newspaper for the prescribed period (typically 30 days). Notify the local council, NSW Police, and NSW Health.
Respond to any objections
If objections are received from the community, police, or council during the notice period, you may be required to respond in writing or attend a hearing before ILGA.
Pay the application and licence fees
Pay the application fee on lodgement (varies by licence type, approximately $500-$1,000). If approved, pay the annual licence fee before the licence is issued.
Receive the licence and comply with conditions
L&GNSW or ILGA issues the licence with conditions (trading hours, capacity, noise limits). Display the licence at the premises and comply with all ongoing obligations under the Liquor Act 2007.
Forms and templates
Common mistakes
- Applying without development consent from council
- Submitting a Category A CIS when Category B is required
- Not publishing notice for the full prescribed period
- Inadequate Plan of Management
- Operating before the licence is formally issued
Get this process right with Quillio
Quillio can help draft Community Impact Statements, Plans of Management, and responses to objections. Start a free trial at /free-trial.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Liquor licensing involves complex regulatory requirements. Engage a licensing lawyer for contested or complex applications.
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