Apply for a liquor licence
Learn when you need a liquor licence or Council approval to sell or serve alcohol in Brisbane. Find out about the types of licences available and how to apply.
About liquor licences
A liquor licence is legal permission issued under the Liquor Act 1992 that allows a person or business to sell or supply alcohol in Queensland. It is regulated by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR).
If you’re planning to sell or serve alcohol in Brisbane, you may need a liquor licence or permit. Whether you’re running a venue, setting up a temporary stall, or holding an event, there are different types of licences and approvals you’ll need to consider.
For information on all types of licences and permits available and how to apply, visit the Queensland Government website.
Do I need a liquor licence?
You’ll generally need a liquor licence or permit if you plan to sell or supply alcohol in a public or commercial setting, such as:
- a bar, restaurant, hotel or club
- a business offering alcohol (e.g. a salon serving champagne)
- a temporary food stall or market
- an event on Council land, including parks, roads or footpaths
- an event where alcohol is sold or included in the ticket price.
You don’t need a licence if:
- you’re holding a private event (e.g. wedding at home) and not selling alcohol
- your venue is BYO and meets the Liquor Act 1992 requirements
- you’re applying for a one-off extension to an existing licensed area
- you’re operating under someone else’s valid liquor licence.
Not sure if you need a licence? Visit the Queensland Government website for more information.
Do I need Council approval?
You’ll need Council involvement if:
- you’re applying for a long-term liquor licence
- your venue or event is on, or encroaches onto, Council-owned land
- you’re making changes to an existing licence (e.g. hours, layout, use of public space)
- the event involves amplified music, late-night trading, or temporary structures
Council approval may include:
- landowner’s consent
- temporary event permit
- development or land use consent
- traffic or noise management plans.
You don’t need Council approval if:
- your venue already has all relevant licences and approvals
- you’re holding a one-off community event that meets Queensland Government criteria
- the alcohol supply is covered by an existing valid licence
Check with Council before applying if you’re unsure. Council advice may be required before the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) will process your application.
Types of liquor licences
There are two main types of liquor licences in Queensland.
Long-term liquor licence
A long-term liquor licence is a permanent licence for businesses or organisations that regularly sell or serve alcohol. This includes:
- bars, restaurants and clubs
- other fixed venues
- any time alcohol is sold or serviced on an ongoing basis as part of a business.
Council approval is often needed for development consent, zoning, or land use.
Temporary liquor licence
A temporary liquor permit for one-off or short-term events where alcohol will be sold or supplied. This includes:
- a food or market stall
- an event, festival or activity on Council land
- a one-off extension of a licensed area onto Council land.
- You're hosting a one-off event (e.g. festival, market, fundraiser)
- Alcohol is being sold or supplied at that event
- The event is not covered under an existing liquor licence
Council approval may be required depending on location, noise, or land use.
How to apply for a liquor licence
Determine if you require a long-term or temporary liquor licence.
It might also be useful to choose the right type of licence supplied by the Queensland Government. This may include permits for:
- hotels, restaurants, cafes and clubs
- commercial public events.
Determine if you need advice or approval from Council.
Long-term liquor licences
You must get written advice from Council to confirm your proposed alcohol use complies with the planning scheme.
Prepare the following documentation:
- licence type and business use
- operating hours
- colour-coded site/floor plan.
Temporary liquor licence
Written landowner consent is required for parks, roads, footpaths, or Council venues.
Prepare the following supporting documentation:
- event details
- site plan
- RAMP (for larger events).
You may also need approvals for:
- an event permit
- a food stall licence
- traffic or noise management plans.
Complete the Investigation into liquor licence request form and attach the supporting documentation.
Submit your application to the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR).
If Council advice is already in place, the process will be faster.
Pay applicable OLGR fees.
OLGR may consult Council or request more information before issuing your licence.
