Venues change over time. You might be reworking the bar, adding footpath dining, extending into extra space for one event or wanting a different licence condition. Each of these can fall under a different application, so it helps to identify the right one before you lodge. We help Queensland licensees prepare the application and supporting information. The decision on any change rests with the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR).
Renovation, licensed area or licence condition?
Queensland guidance separates physical works, changes to the licensed area and changes to other licence conditions. Working out which one applies is the first step.
- Renovating without changing the licensed area description, such as removing a wall or lengthening a bar, uses an application to alter, rebuild or change the premises.
- Permanently increasing or decreasing the licensed area, or altering it in a way that changes its description, such as adding a footpath dining area or removing a detached bottle shop, uses an application to permanently change the licensed area.
- Permanently changing another licence condition, such as the permitted noise level, uses an application for a permanent variation of the licence.
Temporary changes for one-off events
You can apply to temporarily resize your licensed area, for example to allow extra patrons at a one-off event such as New Year's Eve or a community festival. Any area you want to add must adjoin your existing licensed premises.
If your event is away from your venue, a different approval is likely to apply. Our temporary liquor permits page explains the main options.
When a change involves your RAMP
A permanent variation of your licence and a permanent change to the licensed area are both on the list of applications that need a risk-assessed management plan (RAMP) lodged with them. If the way you operate changes, your approved RAMP may also need updating, and changes must be approved by the Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming.
Trading hours are a separate application
Your approved trading hours appear on your licence, and extending them uses its own permanent or one-off application. If your plans involve both more space and longer hours, it is worth planning the two together. See our extended trading hours page for the difference between the two paths.
What to have ready before we talk
A short conversation goes further when you can share the basics.
- Your current licence details and conditions
- A floor plan or sketch of the current licensed area and the proposed change
- Whether the change is permanent or for a specific event, and the date if relevant
- How the space will be used, supervised and kept within noise limits
- Your current approved RAMP, if you have one
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an application just to renovate inside my licensed area?
Queensland guidance lists an application to alter, rebuild or change the premises for works that do not change the licensed area description, such as removing a wall or lengthening a bar. We can help confirm which application fits your plans.
Can I extend my licensed area for one event only?
Yes, there is an application to temporarily resize your licensed area for a one-off event. The added area must adjoin your existing licensed premises.
Is changing my trading hours a licence change?
Hours have their own application process, separate from licensed area and condition changes. Our extended trading hours page explains the permanent and one-off options.
How much does a licence change cost?
OLGR publishes a current list of liquor licence fees, including fees for changing your licensed area. We can talk through what applies to your change and give you a free quote for our help.