Live music venues are generally the type of business that apply for an on-premises or general liquor licence.
A licence allows you to sell alcohol to drink on the licensed premises without the sale of meals. It does not allow you to sell takeaway alcohol.
Applying for your licence
Live music venues that wish to supply alcohol will require a liquor licence. Most venues that provide live music apply for either:
- On-premises licence – this authorises the supply of alcohol for consumption on the licensed premises only. It is also possible to apply to supply alcohol after 1am.
- General licence – this authorises the supply of alcohol for consumption both on and off the licensed premises. It is also possible to apply to supply alcohol after 1am.
Please lodge your liquor licence applications at least 9–11 weeks in advance. The time taken to process your application will vary depending on a range of factors including the complexity of the application and any objections which may be raised.
Information needed in your application
As you prepare your application you need to gather the following information:
- local council planning permission
- confirmation of trading hours
- compliance with required training
- red line plan
- patron capacity declaration
- declaration of right to occupy premises.
More information about these requirements are available on each licence category page.
Venue management plan
Live music venues are typically required to provide a venue management plan. This plan is to help venues manage the supply of liquor and the safety of their staff and patrons.
If you are providing musical entertainment at your venue you must give us:
- a description of the entertainment you will provide
- the days and times you will provide it
- a venue management plan.
Read more information about management plans.
Live music licence conditions
The below sets out suggested licence conditions for licensed premises that provide live music entertainment to address the requirements of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (the Act).
As a guide, each level sets out suggested licence conditions differentiated by the trading hours and patron capacity endorsed on the licence.
Security in live-music entertainment venues
Special conditions may be placed on liquor licences where live music entertainment is provided. Visit Security in licensed venues to read about the minimum requirements for installing security cameras and employing crowd controllers.
Application fees
There are costs associated with applying for your liquor licence. Please see the Licence application fees and charges page for information.
When you have your licence
If your application is successful you are then obligated to abide by the terms of your liquor licence.
Information on how to be compliant is on the Licensees obligations page.
You can also change, transfer or give up your licence.
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