Published on 23/10/2020 by Any Business.Com.Au

Australian Bar Licences and Permits

Australian Bar Licences and Permits You Will Need

Opening your new bar, pub or nightclub is an exciting time, but before you pump up the music and swing open the doors, make sure you've crossed all your T's and dotted all your I's so your business is run legally.Every business in Australia, whether it's a fish and chip shop or an accounting firm, needs licences and registrations to operate within the bounds of Australian law. To operate a bar, you'll need multiple licences and permits.

What is a Licence?

Licences are approvals from government authorities permitting certain activities, services, equipment, and so forth. With a bar, for example, licences allow you to sell food and alcohol, operate late-night hours, and play music. It's a crucial component of running a business.Licences and permits will permit your bar to complete all manner of activities within certain rules and regulations. Break the rules and you could lose your licence. Try to perform something without the appropriate licence, and you risk hefty penalties and even potential forced business closure until you've got everything you need.

What licences do I need?

Licences are regulated either nationally or within states and local councils, meaning the types of licences you need will differ according to your location. The Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) is the overriding authority on licences and permits. The website provides useful resources, including a comprehensive search tool allowing you to narrow the licences you need by industry, location and function.Below is a general summary of the types of licences you may need to operate your bar or nightclub. Remember, this will differ from location to location, and depends on the scope of your bar activities. Consult the ABLIS search or your business advisor for more specific information on the licences you should obtain.

Alcohol permits

To sell alcohol in Australia you must get the relevant liquor licence for your state or territory. Depending on your location, you might need multiple variations of a licence which allow you to sell liquor and have liquor consumed on your premises. If you've got street seating or an alfresco or public space attached to your bar, you might need a permit allowing people to drink alcohol purchased in your venue and consume in that space.Any staff serving alcohol will also need a current Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) qualification.

Music Licences

If you plan on playing copyrighted music in your venue, apply for a licence with the Australasian Performing Right Association/Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (APRA AMCOS). The APRA AMCOS licences are valid Australia-wide, with a background music (general area) licence covering most activities. But if you plan on showcasing live music or hosting karaoke you'll require additional licences.

Extended trading hours

To operate your business or sell alcohol past a certain time in the evening, a late night permit may apply. Depending on your state or territory, there are restrictions on how late you can sell alcohol without a late night permit.

Food Licences

To sell food, snacks and meals in your bar you may need a relevant food licence. These licences prescribe safe food handling and preparation.Food licences differ from state to state, so an ABLIS search is essential to confirm what licences you need.

Outdoor areas

If you want to create an outdoor area for your customers to drink and smoke, you might need approval from your local council if the space is on or visible from nearby footpaths or roads.You'll need to contact your local council to find out their rules and regulations about eating and drinking in outdoor spaces. Some councils enforce an 11pm time limit on the opening of some outdoor spaces where alcohol will be consumed.

Gaming

If you intend to provide gaming services such as Pokie machines or betting stations, you'll need licences to allow you to have these machines on your premises. For example, in NSW you'll need an Authority to Operate Gaming Machines licence, while in Victoria you will need a Venue Operator's Licence.

Where do I get the licences I need?

For each licence your business needs, you must apply through the relevant state or local authority. If you find a licence through the ABLIS search, it will direct you to the online application form or allow you to download a PDF version for printing.Licences can be expensive, so budget for their purchase and renewal each year. Budgeting for your licences is especially important when you first start out as you may find you're spending more than expected.Before opening your business, consult a business advisor or your lawyer about the licences you'll need to ensure nothing is missed and your applications are approved. If you do miss something, it could result in a hefty fine which could damage your business.

Ready to buy your bar?

Think you're all set to buy your dream bar? Start searching online through AnyBusiness for the perfect bar in your location today.To learn more about owning a bar, check out the following articles:Top Australian Bar and Licensed Venue Industry Bodies You Should Know AboutGet Your Bar the Attention It Deserves with a Killer Marketing Strategy*Build Your Team: Hiring and Managing Bar Staff

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Mary is the founder of AnyBusiness.com.au. She has a degree in Business from Monash University and been helping showcase businesses for sale for over 10 years. In the course of running her own business and working daily with business owners and brokers she has developed a keen sense of the Australian market for businesses for sale and shares her knowledge on this blog and others such as female.com.au

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