BYO alcohol for restaurants and cafes

'Bring your own' (BYO) alcohol is a popular choice for unlicensed restaurants. In most cases, customers can BYO with your consent. If you're a restaurateur or staff member, you should know your obligations and the requirements for BYO alcohol.

The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) doesn't regulate BYO for restaurants.

You should contact your local council about any BYO requirements. Some councils may need to be notified about BYO and may endorse this on your food licence.

Refusing BYO at your licensed premises

You and your staff have the right to refuse BYO at your restaurant. Customers should not BYO without your consent.

Generally, there's no offence for bringing BYO to a restaurant, provided the customer is at least 18.

However, for some types of licensed premises, including cafés, nightclubs and certain public events, it's an offence to bring alcohol onto the premises (or take it away).

Police and OLGR officers can issue an on-the-spot fine of $464 to anyone who illegally takes alcohol onto a licensed premises. The maximum penalty if prosecuted in court is $3,870. Read more about fines and penalties.

BYO signage

Download and print these signs about BYO to display in your restaurant:

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