Liquor Licensing in Queensland: How Muscat Tanzer Can Help

Liquor Licensing in Queensland: How Muscat Tanzer Can Help

Running a bar, restaurant, hotel or club in Queensland is exciting but comes with important legal responsibilities. The Liquor Act 1992 (Qld) (the Liquor Act) ensures alcohol is sold safely and responsibly, balancing harm minimisation with support for tourism, hospitality and economic development. Selling or supplying liquor without the correct licence or breaching licence conditions can carry serious consequences.

Navigating the rules, choosing the right licence, preparing accurate and complete documentation and liaising with the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) can feel overwhelming. That is where Muscat Tanzer comes in. We work closely with clients to understand their business, guide them through licensing options, and prepare and lodge applications that meet all legislative requirements. From initial planning to approval and ongoing compliance, our goal is to make the process smooth, efficient and stress free.

Understanding Queensland’s Liquor Licences

The type of licence you need depends on your business model and operations. Below is an overview of the main licence types in Queensland:

1. Commercial hotel licence

Required for hotels or taverns where liquor is central to the business. This licence allows:

• on site and takeaway alcohol sales;
• meals, accommodation and events; and
• up to 3 detached bottle shops or off site functions.

Eligibility includes having a commercial kitchen, seating for more than 60 patrons and being a fit and proper person. Licensees must comply with all trading hours, safety and management requirements.

2. Commercial Other Licences

For businesses where alcohol is secondary, such as cafes, restaurants, function centres, or resorts. Key options include:

• subsidiary on premises licence: sell alcohol on site, with limited takeaway for meals;
• subsidiary off premises licence: businesses selling alcohol as part of a product, for example gift baskets;
• bar licence: small venues (up to 60 patrons) selling alcohol on site;
• industrial canteen licence: remote industrial sites, including mining or construction camps;
• producer/wholesaler licence: produce and sell your own liquor and wholesale to other licensees; and
• artisan producer licence: small scale craft beer or spirits production, including on site sales and promotional events.

All require fit and proper persons and compliance with trading, safety, and responsible service obligations.

3. Nightclub Licence

Required if your primary purpose is entertainment. This licence allows on site liquor sales, including meals until 5pm when no entertainment is provided. Off-site sales are only permitted for functions. Licensees must comply with trading hours, safety, advertising, noise conditions and ensure responsible management is present during trading.

4. Commercial Special Facility Licence

For casinos, airports, convention centres, and other major tourism venues. It permits on and off site sales to the public and residents’ guests after hours. Applicants must be fit and proper persons and comply with all licence conditions.

5. Club licences

For non-proprietary clubs, such as sporting clubs, RSLs, or cultural organisations:

• community club licence: sell to members, guests, visiting players, or approved visitors. Profits must go solely to club objectives; and
• community other licence: sell alcohol on site up to 25 hours per week. Takeaway, gaming or extended trading hours are not permitted.

Both licences require fit and proper persons and compliance with trading, safety and advertising requirements.

Common Pitfalls and How Muscat Tanzer Helps You Avoid Them

Even experienced operators can make mistakes. Common issues include:

• applying for the wrong licence type, for example a bar licence for a primarily food based venue;
• incomplete documentation, such as missing plans, title searches, leases or development approvals;
• ignoring local planning requirements, including zoning, building approvals or heritage restrictions;
• overlooking community impact, as commercial hotel licences, bars or detached bottle shops may attract objections; and
• non-compliance post approval, such as exceeding patron limits, breaching trading hours or failing responsible service obligations.

These pitfalls can cause costly delays or regulatory issues.

How Muscat Tanzer Adds Value

At Muscat Tanzer, we combine legal expertise with practical industry knowledge. Our services include:

• advising on the right licence for your business model;
• preparing and lodging complete applications;
• liaising with OLGR, architects, surveyors and financiers;
• handling advertising requirements;
• monitoring application progress and responding to OLGR queries;
• explaining licence conditions in plain language;
• supporting licence transfers, variations and compliance matters; and
• representing clients in disciplinary proceedings if required.

We focus on long term support, allowing operators to confidently run their business knowing regulatory compliance is being managed.

Why Engage Muscat Tanzer

Queensland’s liquor licensing system can be complex, particularly for operators pursuing commercial other licences or expanding into detached bottle shops. Engaging Muscat Tanzer means you can:

• avoid common mistakes and delays;
• save time and reduce stress;
• ensure your business operates in full compliance; and
• turn liquor licensing into a strategic asset rather than a regulatory burden.

Whether you are opening a neighbourhood cafe, launching a boutique bar, managing a community club or expanding a hotel with new bottle shops, our experienced team provide tailored guidance to secure approvals efficiently.

Get in Touch

If you need guidance on liquor licences in Queensland, do not navigate the system alone. Call Muscat Tanzer today to discuss your business, explore licensing options and ensure compliance from start to finish.