WA Liquor Licensing
“Do I actually need a liquor licence?”
While many people assume a liquor licence is only required for pubs and bottle shops, the law applies to a much broader range of businesses and events.
Understanding your obligations before serving alcohol can save you time, money and unnecessary headaches down the track.
Why Liquor Licensing Matters
Liquor licensing isn’t just another box to tick. The licensing system exists to balance the enjoyment of alcohol with the need to protect public safety, minimise alcohol-related harm and ensure licensed venues operate responsibly. These objectives underpin the Liquor Control Act 1988 (WA) and guide every licensing decision made by the Director of Liquor Licensing.
For business owners, obtaining the correct licence also provides certainty that your operations comply with the law and can continue without unnecessary interruptions.
Canford has been operating for two decades in Western Australia. We specialise in hospitality planning and licensing assistance. To assist West Australians with getting their dream hospitality venues open and operating.
Canford can help licensees from the moment an idea for a venue forms, with feasibility reports, layout and operations advice, as well as assisting with Council applications for planning, development and health approval.
From a licensing perspective we assist in applications for new licences, transfers of licences, to add/vary/cancel trading conditions on licences and assisting to support or object to publicly advertised application
In WA the four most common types of liquor licences are Restaurant, Tavern/ Hotel, Small Bar, and Liquor Store.
Restaurant – A restaurant licence allows the licensee to sell alcohol for consumption to customers eating or intending to eat a meal as defined by the liquor licensing authority. This licence can be augmented with a Liquor Without a Meal Extended Trading Permit. This allows sale of liquor to customers who are not intending to consume a meal however all liquor must still be consumed at a table while seated. A licensed restaurant must always have the primary purpose of the business be the sale of meals to customers.
Tavern/ Hotel – Tavern and hotel licences are alike aside from the fact that hotel licence allow for sale of liquor to lodgers at any time. These are the ‘king’ of licences in WA with the most freedom in trading conditions and operations. A full tavern or hotel licence allows for the sale of packaged liquor to customers as well as regular service. Allowing for sale of takeaway liquor in both a dedicated liquor store or over the counter of a bar.
Licensees can also hold restricted versions of this licence which allows for the same freedoms without the possibility of the sale of packaged liquor. Ideal for those looking to operate a larger liquor venue with music, standing room, bar style service and really whatever else.
Small Bar – A small bar licence is a premises for the sale of liquor in smaller venues with a limit of 120 persons on the licensed premises at any given time. Liquor can be consumed while standing or at a bar. leaving more freedom for the licensees to arrange their premises.
Liquor Store – A liquor store is a dedicated packaged liquor outlet. These licences let you sell takeaway liquor to consumers. These licences allow for operation 7 days a week in metropolitan Perth, for those operating in regional WA Sunday opening can be achieved with an application for an ongoing hours extended trading permit.
Other liquor licence types in Western Australia include Club Licences, Producer Licences, Occasional Licences, Nightclub Licences, Special Facility Licences and Wholesaler Licences, each designed for a specific purpose and operating environment. Choosing the correct licence depends on factors such as your business model, venue type and whether liquor is supplied on an ongoing or temporary basis. Understanding these licence categories is an important step in meeting Western Australia’s liquor licensing requirements.
Navigating liquor licensing requirements in Western Australia doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re opening a new venue, expanding your business, or planning a one-off event, understanding your obligations from the outset can save valuable time, reduce delays and help you avoid costly compliance issues.
At Canford Hospitality Consultants, we work with hospitality operators, event organisers and business owners across WA to simplify the liquor licensing process. From identifying the most suitable licence for your business through to preparing applications, liaising with government authorities and providing ongoing compliance advice, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re unsure what type of liquor licence you need—or whether you need one at all—our experienced team is ready to help you move forward with confidence. Get in touch with Canford Hospitality Consultants to discuss your plans and let us help make your licensing journey as straightforward as possible.
For all your hospitality planning and licensing needs please consider Canford Hospitality Consultants.