Liquor licence exemptions.
For some businesses or organisations, a liquor licence may not be necessary to serve, sell, or supply alcohol. Let's explore some of these exemptions.
Bed and breakfasts. Small accommodation venues like bed and breakfasts may not require a licence if there are no more than eight adult guests. The alcohol has been purchased from a retail outlet and it is provided in addition to accommodation or food.
Retirement villages. Retirement villages do not require a licence to supply liquor at a gathering if it is not organised or run by the operator of a village. A residence committee member or a person nominated by the residence committee supervises the gathering and the alcohol is purchased from a retail outlet.
Hospitals and nursing homes. A hospital or nursing home does not require a licence if the person in charge of the facility is serving liquor to adults receiving care.
Interstate and international cruise vessels within New South Wales coastal waters. A liquor licence is not required for the sale or supply of alcohol when the following conditions are met. The vessels have sleeping facilities for at least 100 passengers. The liquor is sold or supplied to registered fee paying passengers or crew members only. Liquor is sold or supplied only for consumption on board the vessel and must not be sold or supplied to miners or intoxicated people.
Gift baskets and flowers. A liquor licence is not required for the sale or supply of alcohol when it is included as part of a genuine gift such as a gift basket or floral arrangement provided all of the following conditions are met. The alcohol must be purchased from a licenced retail liquor outlet. The total volume of alcohol included in each gift must not exceed 2 L. The gift must be packaged and presented in a manner that clearly indicates it is intended as a gift. The gift must be delivered to another adult who is not the purchaser. The gift must not be delivered to a person at the location where the gift was purchased. All deliveries must occur between 7:00am and 7:00pm.
Auctions. Selling alcohol at auctions conducted by a professional auctioneer may be exempt if the independent liquor and gaming authority is notified that the auctioneer is auctioning liquor and the auction is publicly promoted as involving liquor.
If you are unsure if your activity qualifies for an exemption, it is best to check the Liquor and Gaming New South Wales website to ensure you are compliant.
Vendors, operators, and individuals must not serve or supply alcohol to individuals under the age of 18. We recommend checking acceptable proof of age documents for those who appear to be under 25 years old. This can include a New South Wales driver licence, either physical or digital. Licenses from other states are also accepted. An Australian or other passport, a New South Wales photo card or proof of age card.
It is everyone's responsibility to help minimise alcohol-related harm, prevent intoxication from occurring, and to provide a safe environment for all.
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