What do I need to apply for a liquor licence?

Liquor licences in New South Wales fall under the Liquor Act 2007 and are processed by the Office of Liquor and Gaming. The licence type you apply for depends on how your business operates and what kind of service you plan to offer. Each application must include specific documentation, which may involve: Scaled plans showing the proposed licensed area A current National Police Certificate A completed Community Impact Statement Development consent from the local council Proof of Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification Our team assists with compiling the required documents and submitting the application. We also communicate directly with the regulatory authority to minimise processing delays and address any concerns that may arise during assessment.

What should I do if I’ve received a fine from the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing?

Penalty notices from the regulator should be taken seriously. In addition to the monetary fine, your business could face further restrictions under the Three Strikes Scheme, potentially leading to tougher licence conditions or long-term operational setbacks. We assist in a range of responses, including: Challenging the notice in court Submitting representations to the Office of Liquor and Gaming Responding to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority before a strike is recorded or licence conditions are altered

What should I do with my liquor licence if I am moving, closing down for renovations or selling my business?

If you’re transferring ownership of a licensed premises, the liquor licence must also be legally transferred to the new operator. When relocating, the updated location must be reflected on the licence, which requires formal approval from the Office of Liquor and Gaming. For renovations or temporary closures, you must notify the regulator and seek approval before ceasing and restarting trade. Operating without updated authorisation can result in penalties or compliance action. Our team handles all communication with the relevant authorities and manages the documentation to keep your licence up to date through business transitions, moves, or temporary shutdowns. This helps keep your operations running legally and without unnecessary complications.

Expertise

Liquor Licensing Law

Liquor License Lawyers in Shellharbour

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Expert Liquor Licensing Lawyers

Whether you are applying for a liquor license, buying/selling a licenced business, or have been fined and are looking for legal advice, Kells is here to help.

Readily Accessible

We offer commercial legal services to clients across Shellharbour. With multiple office locations throughout NSW, our team is easy to reach and responsive to your needs.

Tailored Legal Solutions

Your business deserves more than an off-the-shelf approach. We take the time to understand your operations, challenges and ambitions. The result? Solutions that help you thrive in a competitive landscape.

Here to Help

Applying for or managing a liquor licence involves more than just paperwork. It’s a legal process with strict conditions, regulatory oversight, and serious consequences if mishandled. Whether you're launching a new hospitality venture, transferring a licence during a business sale, or dealing with compliance issues, careful legal handling is important.

Our liquor licensing lawyers working with clients in Shellharbour assist with every stage of the process. We also help clients understand the licence types available, so you apply under the right category. With hands-on experience working with councils and regulatory bodies, we help reduce delays and resolve compliance concerns efficiently.

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Business, Commercial & Corporate

Area of Expertise

How Can Our Liquor License Lawyers in Shellharbour Help?

Liquor laws in New South Wales involve strict rules and procedural steps. Missing a detail or choosing the wrong licence can result in setbacks or penalties. That’s why it’s vital to work with professionals who deal with licensing law regularly.

We assist with licence applications, renewals, and transfers. If your business is facing fines or disputes with the regulator, we offer representation and strategic support. When selling or acquiring a licensed business, we manage the licensing aspects of due diligence to avoid complications after settlement.

We also help clients determine the most appropriate licence for their venue, manage dealings with the relevant authorities, and take steps to keep operations compliant. Whether you're opening a bar, expanding a venue, or handling an unexpected penalty, we work to keep your business on track and within legal limits.

With our comprehensive expertise in all aspects of liquor licensing law, we can provide practical solutions for any issue, including:

Applying for liquor licences: Assisting with the preparation and submission of liquor licence applications to meet regulatory requirements.
Renewing existing licences: Guiding you through the process of renewing your liquor licence to ensure continued compliance and uninterrupted operations.
Managing fines and penalties: Handling disputes, appeals, and negotiations related to fines or penalties imposed on your business.
Transferring licences: Facilitating the smooth transfer of liquor licences during the sale or purchase of a business or premises.
Resolving other liquor licensing matters: Addressing and resolving complex liquor licensing matters to safeguard your business's legal standing and reputation.

Liquor Licensing FAQs

What do I need to apply for a liquor licence?
Liquor licences in New South Wales fall under the Liquor Act 2007 and are processed by the Office of Liquor and Gaming. The licence type you apply for depends on how your business operates and what kind of service you plan to offer. Each application must include specific documentation, which may involve:
- Scaled plans showing the proposed licensed area
- A current National Police Certificate
- A completed Community Impact Statement
- Development consent from the local council
- Proof of Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification
Our team assists with compiling the required documents and submitting the application. We also communicate directly with the regulatory authority to minimise processing delays and address any concerns that may arise during assessment.
What should I do if I’ve received a fine from the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing?
Penalty notices from the regulator should be taken seriously. In addition to the monetary fine, your business could face further restrictions under the Three Strikes Scheme, potentially leading to tougher licence conditions or long-term operational setbacks.

We assist in a range of responses, including:
- Challenging the notice in court
- Submitting representations to the Office of Liquor and Gaming
- Responding to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority before a strike is recorded or licence conditions are altered
What should I do with my liquor licence if I am moving, closing down for renovations or selling my business?

If you’re transferring ownership of a licensed premises, the liquor licence must also be legally transferred to the new operator. When relocating, the updated location must be reflected on the licence, which requires formal approval from the Office of Liquor and Gaming.

For renovations or temporary closures, you must notify the regulator and seek approval before ceasing and restarting trade. Operating without updated authorisation can result in penalties or compliance action.

Our team handles all communication with the relevant authorities and manages the documentation to keep your licence up to date through business transitions, moves, or temporary shutdowns. This helps keep your operations running legally and without unnecessary complications.