Applying for a liquor licence in Western Australia can be complicated as it is a highly regulated industry.
There are many types of liquor licences available. The most appropriate one for a particular business will depend on several factors, including physical features of the venue, if meals are served or accommodation is available and other aspects.
Below are some frequently asked questions if you are considering making an application for a tavern or tavern restricted liquor licence in WA.
A tavern licence authorises the sale and supply of liquor for consumption both on and off the licensed premises without having to meet the same obligations as a hotel which is required to supply accommodation and meals and some of the other obligations associated with different types of licences.
A full tavern licence is generally the most flexible type of liquor licence in Western Australia. A tavern restricted licence has the same flexibility as a full tavern licence in regards to liquor sale and supply on the premises, however, no take-away sales are permitted.
A tavern licence will usually operate with a bottleshop or some other retail liquor service, whereas a tavern restricted licence does not authorise any sale or supply of packaged liquor, but usually no obligation as to meals.
There are several differences.
Generally speaking, tavern and tavern restricted licences are for general drinking venues of any size, with some food component.
Yes, quite often actually (but not necessarily always).
Objectors and interveners may include the following:
Some of the reasons behind interventions and objections include the following:
Sometimes, yes, but usually, no. It depends on the licence conditions. Quite often general food conditions will apply.
No, not lawfully.
Yes, if they are properly accompanied and supervised by an adult acting as a guardian.
The following are just some examples:
| Full tavern licensed venues | Tavern restricted venues |
| Balthazar | Bar Lafayette |
| Bill’s | Chophouse |
| Carilley Estate | El Grotto |
| Chase Bar & Bistro | Julutharndu Maya |
| Cobblers | Laneway Lounge |
| Moody Cow Brewery | Lema’s |
| Nowhereman Brewing Co | Mad Dogs Jungle Bar |
| Pourhouse Bar & Kitchen | Mallard Duck |
| Raffles Hotel | Matisse Beach Club |
| Sandpiper Bar & Grill | Print Hall |
| Sassella’s | Reveley |
| The Ashby Bar & Bistro | Scarborough Beach Bar |
| The Beer Farm | State Theatre Centre of WA |
| The Breakwater | The Stables Bar |
| The Gate Bar & Bistro | Tony Roma’s |
| The Royal on the Waterfront | Trustee Bar & Restaurant |
| Wavecrest Bar & Bistro | Hippocampus Metropolitan Distillery |
| White Sands | |
| Heritage Brasserie Bar & Boardroom (including Bobeche) | |
| Merredin Regional Community and Leisure Centre |
