Transferring a liquor licence

If you take over as the operator of a business with a liquor licence, you must apply to transfer the licence.

You will not be able to sell or supply liquor at the licensed premises until the transfer is approved or an interim authority to trade (i.e. temporary approval to continue trading under the licence until the transfer to you can be completed) is obtained.

If there is a current gaming machine licence for the premises, you must also lodge an application for a new gaming machine licence at the same time as the transfer of the liquor licence.

How to apply to transfer a liquor licence or obtain an interim authority

New operators of licensed premises must complete and lodge an Application for a transfer liquor licence (Form 3).

To make an application for an interim authority (and a special authorisation to conduct gaming if applicable), you must submit a statutory declaration providing the following information:

• your name and address
• the details of the licensed premises including the current name of the premises and the address
• your tenure over the licensed premises
• your position within the company if the occupier of the premises is a company
• a statement that you are legally in possession of the premises
• a statement that you wish to commence trading in liquor (and gaming, if currently approved for gaming).

This should be lodged with the associated application fees. Read the liquor licensing fees and charges for the current transfer fees.

Interim authority applications (including a special authorisation to conduct gaming, if applicable) typically take 2 to 3 working days to process if all requirements are satisfied.

Lodge your completed application, any supporting documents and fees at the Brisbane service centre or one our regional offices, or by post to:

Locked Bag 180
CITY EAST  QLD  4002

Approval process for transfers of a liquor licence

We grant licences based on whether you are a 'fit and proper' person - read Guideline 07: Fit and proper or suitable person for more information.

You will also need to demonstrate you have legal tenure of the premises.

If your application is refused, you can lodge a request for review with the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Processing times

Provided all information is lodged and there are no issues identified during the assessment process, most applications to transfer a liquor licence are finalised in around 2 months.

The time taken to process an application will vary depending on a range of factors, noting applications lodged in conjunction with a new gaming machine licence will generally take longer. Delays can also occur due to:

• incomplete application forms, including material required for police and creditworthiness checks to be conducted
• missing or incorrect signatures
• insufficient information to allow Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) to identify all associates or executive officers of the applicant
• requests for further information not being actioned in a timely manner by the applicant.

Also consider...

• Contact OLGR for more information about liquor licensing.
• Learn more about compliance for liquor licensees.
• Read the Liquor Act 1992.
• Read the Wine Industry Act 1994.