Liquor & Gaming
Common mistakes and things to consider before submitting a liquor licence application
business plan to clearly detail how the business will operate and how the sale and consumption of liquor fits into the business. A common pitfall is people applying for a licence type that does not reflect the business they will operate. The licence applied for should not be a catch-all for a range of business possibilities in the future that might or might not eventuate. The Commissioner can only grant a licence for the business that will operate. To avoid an application being refused, apply for the licence type that suits the current business needs. If the business changes in the future, an application can be made to change the licence type or vary the licence conditions. Being unaware of the restrictions in a Council approval An applicant will need approval from their local council to sell liquor. Evidence of this approval is required before an application can be assessed. Each local Council has its own process, and some may require an applicant to submit an application for planning approval. Councils issue approvals in different formats such as letters, permits or other approval documents. Councils may impose restrictions or requirements on a planning approval. For example, there may be a restriction on hours of trade. This does not impact on an ability to obtain a licence. The restriction in hours will simply be noted on any liquor licence granted.
Submitting an application without the required supporting documents Together with a completed application form and payment of the application fee, supporting documents need to be lodged. The supporting documents provide information about the type of business intended to operate, whether the licence type applied for is suitable, whether the applicant is qualified to hold a licence and whether issuing the licence would be in the best interest of the community. These factors are relevant to the decision of the Commissioner for Licensing, to either grant or refuse a licence. There is a checklist on page one of the application form setting out the documents needed to be lodged. Ticking the checklist as each document is obtained can help keep track of what the applicant has and what is still required. Applying for a licence type that doesn’t suit the business The licence type being applied for should be based on the activities proposed to be conducted. Create a
Some of the above information is also applicable when applying for a liquor permit.
Further information regarding applying for a liquor licence is available on the Liquor and Gaming website.
Or by telephone on 6166 4040
71 Tasmanian Hospitality Review Oct/Nov Edition
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