I run a hairdressing salon and we are open late two nights per week. On these nights we offer clients tea and coffee or a glass of wine. Is my business exempt from needing a licence to supply alcohol to our customers?
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Answer by Andrea Stein, Brisbane 4000 QLD
- You will need to check the law in your state or territory. In most places hairdressers are exempt from needing a licence for supplying alcohol to their customers.
- It is important that you comply with the business conditions for the exemption. The law will set out requirements about:
- how much alcohol can be supplied;
- who it can be supplied to for example to adults not children;
- the days when it is illegal to supply alcohol such as not on Christmas day or Good Friday; and
- whether it can be sold or it must be complimentary (free).
- In some places there will be a requirement for you to provide written notice to the relevant authority that you will be supplying alcohol at your place of business.
- Other businesses are commonly exempt such as:
- florists;
- butchers;
- hospitals; and
- retirement villages.