A small bar licence is a relatively new class of licence, designed to cater to those wishing to operate a relatively low risk Venue with a capped number of patrons.

A Small Bar licence permits the sale of liquor for consumption on-premises (no take-away liquor), on the condition that no more than 120 persons can be present on the licensed premises at any one time. This includes staff, for the purposes of counting ‘persons present”.

Permitted trading hours are between 6am – 12 midnight Monday to Saturday, and 10an to 12 midnight on Sundays.

A small bar licence can be a useful and appropriate licence for certain Venues, trading in a certain way. There is no requirement to sell food (although it is permitted if desired), nor that patrons be seated at a table, which distinguishes it from the traditional “Restaurant Licence” Potential licensees should be aware however that, should they wish to increase the patron capacity beyond 120 persons, an entirely new liquor licence will be required to be applied for an granted. If you are thinking of starting a Small Bar, or are uncertain as to whether this class of licence could work for you, contact Dwyer Durack to talk to one of our friendly lawyers today