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New applicants

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The NSW liquor laws provide a broad and flexible framework to enable a liquor licence to be issued for a range of business and community activities.

If you wish to apply for a liquor licence in NSW, you must lodge an application with the Casino, Liquor and Gaming Control Authority (CLGCA).

What type of liquor licences are there?

There are 6 types of liquor licences in NSW. Please read our fact sheet Applying for a Liquor Licence which provides a summary of liquor licences, and information about what you need to include in your application as well as the application fee.

Fact sheets on different types of liquor licences, such as the General Bar Hotel Licence (which is suitable for applicants who want to operate a small bar) are available from our website. More fact sheets will be added to our website in the coming weeks.

Where do I get an application form?

Liquor licence application forms are available from our website.

More forms will be added shortly.

What must accompany the application?

In most cases for a new permanent liquor licence, the documents below must accompany the application. Please check the relevant liquor licence fact sheet and licence application form for more specific information.

Community Impact Statement (CIS) - In most cases, a community impact statement must accompany an application for most permanent types of liquor licences, as well as some licence authorisations. The community impact statement helps the Authority consider the likely impact of the proposed licence or authorisation on the local community and the level of support for the proposal. A Community Impact Statement Toolkit has been developed to assist applicants.
A copy of the council's development consent or approval for the proposed premises. If development consent or approval has not been obtained when making a liquor licence application, an undertaking can be provided to the Authority to lodge it when it becomes available prior to the application being finalised.
A scaled plan of the proposed licensed premises (or a sketch in the case of a limited licence)
A National Police Certificate needs to accompany your licence application (except in the case of a limited licence). This assists the Authority determine the suitability of the applicant to hold a liquor licence. To obtain a Certificate, download and complete the National Criminal History Check Application form (P799) (PDF), present three acceptable identity documents and pay the $52 fee at your local police station.
The appropriate application fee.

Need further help?

Please contact the Casino, Liquor and Gaming Control Authority on 02 9995 0894 or email info@olgr.nsw.gov.au

More information

Find your local council
Find your local police station
Starting a new business - Visit the NSW Department of State and Regional Development website which has lots of info and tips about starting and managing a small business in NSW.
Download Running a Business in NSW which provides information about how what different government agencies do and how they can assist your business.
Register your business name - visit the NSW Office of Fair Trading website for information about how to do this.
Join an industry association - There are number of liquor industry associations in NSW. Joining an association can bring benefits to new owners and licensees through resources, seminars and training. Please see our related websites page for a full list.
Liquor Act 2007
Liquor Regulation 2008