I have been running a bed and breakfast (B&B) business for the last ten years. Recently we did renovations and we can now have 12 guests at a time. We would like to be able to serve alcohol in the evenings. What is maximum number of people I can have staying before I need a licence to sell alcohol?
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Answer by Andrea Stein, Brisbane 4000 QLD
- Laws in most states and territories specify that you will need a liquor licence if you have more than 6 adult guests lodging at any one time. In some places it is 8 guests. You need to check exactly what law applies where you live. You can check the relevant authority website to get the information you need.
- Before selling alcohol to your customers you are required to give written notice to the liquor authority in your state or territory.
- Generally the following conditions must be complied with:
- the maximum amount of alcohol that you can supply to a room in any one day is 750ml; and
- you are prohibited from supplying alcohol to a child.
- Usually a B&B operator is not required to hold a responsible service of alcohol (RSA) certificate.
- If you have less than 6 adult guests then you may be eligible for a minor business exemption and will not need to apply for a licence.