Planning a public event that involves alcohol? There’s one detail that absolutely can’t be overlooked — liquor licensing.
Many organisers assume that booking a venue or hiring a bartender is all that’s needed. But in Australia, serving and/or selling alcohol at an event will require a valid liquor licence, especially if the venue isn’t already licensed.
The good news? With the right support, navigating event liquor licensing is simple and stress-free. And that’s exactly where Kubarz comes in.
What Is an Event Liquor Licence?
An event liquor licence (also known as a temporary liquor licence or limited licence depending on the state) is a legal permit that allows alcohol to be served and consumed at a non-licensed venue for a specific occasion and timeframe.
Each state and territory in Australia has its own licensing authority — like NSW Liquor & Gaming, Victorian Liquor Commission, or Queensland’s OLGR — with slightly different rules. But the key factors are generally the same:
- Type of event (private, public, ticketed, or free)
- Location of the event
- Guest numbers
- Whether drinks are being sold or provided for free
- Duration and hours of alcohol service
- Security and RSA staff presence
Failing to obtain the correct licence can result in serious fines, event shutdowns, or liability issues, especially if an alcohol-related incident occurs.
When Do You Need a Licence?
You’ll usually need a liquor licence if:
- Your event is in a non-licensed venue (e.g. a park, hall, warehouse, marquee, or private property)
- Alcohol is being sold, including through ticketed entry or drink sales
- You’re running a public or community event open to general attendees
- You want to serve alcohol past standard trading hours
You may not need one for small private gatherings where no money changes hands, but this can still depend on your state and the nature of the event.
The Application Process (And Why It Can Be Tricky)
Applying for a temporary liquor licence typically involves:
- Submitting an application with detailed event info (at least 3–6 weeks out)
- Providing a site plan and confirming appropriate amenities
- Outlining RSA procedures and staff qualifications
- Consulting with council or police if required
- Paying application fees and awaiting approval
It’s not rocket science — but it is time-consuming, technical, and full of small details that can delay your approval if missed.
How Kubarz Simplifies It for You
At Kubarz, we’ve helped thousands of clients across Australia successfully apply for and manage liquor licences for every type of event — from 20-person backyard cocktail parties to 2,000-person festivals.
Here’s how we help:
✅ We assess whether your event requires a licence
✅ We prepare and submit your application with all supporting documents
✅ We liaise with councils and licensing bodies on your behalf
✅ We provide RSA-qualified staff, security if needed, and manage all compliance
✅ We offer full beverage service, including mobile bars, stock, glassware, and cleanup
By handling the licensing process from start to finish, we remove the legal guesswork and give you peace of mind. You focus on the event, and we handle the red tape.
Common Events We Help License
- Council and community festivals
- Pop-up bar events
- Product launches and brand activations
- Weddings and private parties at unlicensed venues
- Charity fundraisers and school functions
- Corporate Christmas parties and EOFY events
- Public tasting or sampling activations
Need a liquor licence for your upcoming event?
Don’t risk delays, stress, or penalties. Let Kubarz handle your event liquor licensing from start to finish, and deliver a seamless, fully compliant beverage service on the day.
Head to kubarz.com.au to chat with our team or request a quote today.