Applying for a liquor licence in Western Australia is highly regulated and can be complicated.
Below are some frequently asked questions if you are considering making an application for a liquor licence in WA.
An application needs to be lodged at the Department of Racing, Gaming & Liquor. Formal papers plus written submissions and supporting evidence are generally required. Applications will differ a bit from case to case. Firstly though, applicants need to consider what class of licence is suitable and deal with several preliminary steps before lodging an application.
Yes. There are currently 12 different ones. Some are considered more complicated than others.
It depends on the circumstances, but generally speaking, yes.
It depends on the type of licence that the restaurant operates under and a few other factors.
Every application is different.
Generally speaking, the more complicated classes of licence take an average of around six months from the date of lodgement at the licensing authority. Less complicated applications can take around four months, however it will depend on the circumstances of the application.
Costs depend on many factors. Every application tends to be different. There are government fees for lodgement of the application to cover the licence itself and each individual person associated with the application.
Applications for less complicated licence types start from $1,034 and the more complicated licence types start from $3,602, based on 2017 fees. Generally the fees go up every year.
There may also be fees charged by the local council and any professional or consultancy fees are additional. Our legal fees are estimated on a case by case basis and can be designed to suit your budget and other circumstances. We are happy to discuss options.
1 January each year.
Yes. There is an occasional licence category for short term or one-off events or functions if an existing permanent licence does not exist or is not suitable. There are also extended trading permits for one-off activities available to existing holders of liquor licences.
In depends on the type of licence and the particular conditions of that licence. Not all licences are the same. However, many licences have the same restrictions on Anzac Day, Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Yes, an application can be made, however, it is up to the licensing authority whether to approve the application or not. Sometimes a criminal record can prevent approval.
Click here to contact Lavan's Liquor, Hospitality and Events partner - Jessica Patterson.
