Frequently Asked Questions
You need to check the relevant legislation in your State and Territory, as the rules are different in each jurisdiction.
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When do I need a liquor licence?
- If you want to supply or sell liquor to people then you need to have a valid liquor licence. This applies to any:
- person;
- business; or
- organisation.
- The type of licence you will need will depend on your circumstances and how you wish to supply the liquor.
- You will need to check the licencing laws where you live. You can use our free and anonymous Ask a Lawyer service if you have a particular issue you want to know more about.
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When will I need to apply for a temporary licence to serve alcohol?
- Generally there are temporary licence categories available for certain situations such as:
- a one-off event such as a ball or presentation night;
- a one-off event requiring an extension of trading hours at a licensed venue; or
- major large-scale events.
- You can usually apply for this category of licence if you are an:
- individual;
- business;
- club; or
- an organisation.
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What is a major event licence?
- If you want to supply alcohol at a major event then you need to have a special licence.
- These licences are in place for events that will likely have a large impact on public safety and on the general area where the event is held.
- If you are planning a major event you will need to make specific enquiries about exactly what kind of licence you will need based on the location and activities you have planned.
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What is a community liquor permit or licence?
- There are special licences available that allow an unlicensed organisation to sell alcohol for a one-off event. These are called community liquor permits or licences.
- Often these permits are used for:
- sporting events;
- school fairs; or
- a church fete.
- Examples of unlicensed organisation include:
- parent and citizen associations;
- theatre groups;
- rotary clubs; or
- not-for-profit organisations.
- These permits do not allow people to also bring their own (BYO) alcohol to the event. If people wish to buy and drink alcohol then they must do it in line with the rules set out in the permit.
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What happens after I am issued with a licence for a new gaming venue?
- If you are issued a licence for gaming then it is important that you familiarise yourself with your obligations and responsibilities.
- Inspectors are notified about the opening of your new venue and will visit the premises shortly after you start trading. They will be able to:
- answer any questions you may have; and
- also check that you are complying with your obligations including making sure all your bar staff have completed responsible service of alcohol training.
- If the inspectors find that your venue is not complying with the law they may take action to bring your venue back into compliance.
- For example if one of your staff is caught serving a drunken person the inspector has options for how to deal with the situation such as:
- giving you information to remind you of your responsibilities;
- charging you with an offence; or
- varying your licence conditions.
- This decision will depend on a number of different factors.
- You can use our LegalPlan™ membership to ask lawyers for tenders or a Fixed Fee Quote in relation to your licencing compliance needs.
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Do I need to complete a training course in the Responsible Service of Gaming (RSG) before I apply for a gaming industry employee's licence?
- Generally there is no requirement that a person complete RSG before they apply for a gaming industry employee’s licence.
- As an employee of a gaming venue you will need to complete an approved RSG course.
- Often this must be completed within 6 months of the date you start work.
- There are also rules about doing refresher courses after a certain number of years have passed.
- You need to make sure you comply with these rules. You may not be able to continue to do your job if you are not up to date with your RSG.
- The law is different in each state and territory. You can use our Phone a Lawyer service for a preliminary legal consultation if you think you may need legal advice.
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Do I need to include a credit report in my gaming licence application?
- Generally you will need to include a credit report in your gaming licence application. You will need to check exactly what laws apply where you live.
- A credit report includes important information about your:
- personal background; and
- financial situation including:
- bankruptcy;
- credit rating;
- unpaid accounts; or
- if there are any judgment debts against you.
- You need to provide accurate information so that the gaming authority can assess your application.
- The authority will consider all the circumstances. This is particularly important if you have unpaid accounts or any judgment debts against you.
- If necessary you will be given a chance to give them more or updated information before the decision is made.
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Do I have to be fingerprinted as part of my gaming licence application?
- Yes. A fingerprint check gives the gaming authorities concrete proof of your identity. This enables the authorities to monitor the people working in the industry.
- In most states and territories you must also have your fingerprints recorded. This means you must be fingerprinted if you are applying for a licence for the first time.
- If you have previously been fingerprinted for other licences you will still need to be fingerprinted specifically for this gaming licence application.
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Am I obliged to display my liquor licence to the public?
- Depending on the rules in your state or territory you may be required to display your liquor licence so that it is publicly accessible.
- You licence and any specific authorisations or imposed conditions must be accessible to staff at your venue at all times.
- In some states and territories you must also produce your licence should an inspector or a police officer ask you to do so.
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Is Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training a mandatory requirement for liquor licensees?
- Yes. All licensees and venue staff are required to complete the approved RSA course in their state or territory.
- Generally staff who do not hold a RSA certificate will have 30 days from the date they began serving liquor to complete the RSA course. You will need to check what law applies where you live.
- If you have applied for an on-premises alcohol and late night licence then you must complete the RSA course before your licence will be granted.
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Do bottle shop attendants need a RSA certificate?
- Yes. By law if you are selling alcohol in venues like bottle shops it is compulsory to hold an approved responsible service of alcohol (RSA) qualification.
- If you are under 18 years of age you can complete a RSA qualification but you must not serve or sell alcohol until you turn 18.
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Can I use a RSA qualification interstate?
- Laws relating to the responsible service of alcohol vary between states and territories.
- You will need to find out what the rules are in the state or territory where you plan to work.
- If you have an RSA qualification from another state or territory within Australia you may be eligible to do a bridging course so that your current certificate is recognised. To be eligible you must meet certain criteria including making sure that:
- the interstate RSA course must be authorised by each state or territory alcohol licensing authority;
- your RSA certificate is not older than 3 years;
- the qualification allows the certificate holder to work in any type or class of licensed premises; and
- the certificate has been completed through face-to-face RSA training.
- If your interstate RSA qualification does not satisfy these criteria then your bridging course application will be rejected.
- The licencing authority in your state or territory can give you the information you need.
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Can a licensee be exempt from having to undertake RSA training?
- The authorities in most states and territories have the power to make licensees exempt from undertaking responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training.
- The authorities may:
- choose to exempt licensees without them actually applying; or
- respond to applications for exemption.
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Are licensees obliged to keep RSA training records?
- Yes. It is a training requirement that licensees maintain a current responsible service of alcohol (RSA) program register and that this should be made available to the inspectors.
- Commonly the following details are required:
- the licensee’s name and the names of serving staff at the venue;
- a duplicate of the RSA certificate and the refresher course acknowledgement where relevant; and
- the specific dates on which each employee first sold or served alcohol in the licensed venue.
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What should I do if I misplace my RSA certificate?
- These certificates are kept at the responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training organisation where you completed the course.
- You will need to contact the training organisation and request that another copy of the RSA certificate be issued.
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