All liquor licenses in New South Wales are governed by the Liquor Act 1912. Until 1976 registered clubs were also subject to this Act. However, today, registered clubs are able to sell liquor and conduct gaming under the Registered Clubs Act.
To sell liquor in New South Wales you need a license. This includes liquor sold at a fete by a fundraising committee at a school or at a sports club, direct marketing, or where the cost of liquor is hidden in other charges, such as membership/entry fees.
A license is also required where the cost may be absorbed by other items. For example, a "free" bottle of wine is included in the price of a three course meal in an unlicensed restaurant. In this example, the cost of the meal would constitute the liquor sale.
Liquor licenses in NSW are issued by the Licensing Court of NSW.
This article is useful reading for licensees and potential licensees.
The following is a low down of the types of license available:
Hotelier's license: this allows for the sale of liquor to be consumed either on or off the licensed premises. Takeaway liquor can be sold either at the bar or in a separate bottle shop within the licensed premises.
Off- licenses: these enable the sale of liquor on the premises for consumption off the premises. Off licenses include:
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Off-License (Retail) - a bottle shop license - liquor must be sold in sealed containers although free of charge tastings are permitted on the premises.
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Off-License (Vigneron) - this is a vineyard license which allows the production of wine for sale at the vineyard to liquor retailers and for consumption off the licensed premises. The supply of wine to customers for consumption at the vineyard free of charge is allowed.
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Off-License (Wholesale) - allows the sale of liquor to another person authorised to sell liquor such as a hotelier or bottle shop owner, for consumption off the licensed premises only.
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Off-License (Brewer) - allows for the production of beer for sale to wholesalers and retailers of liquor, for consumption off the licensed premises.
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Off-License (Auction) - allows the licensee to auction liquor on behalf of a person who is not authorised to sell liquor on those premises for consumption off the licensed premises.
On-Licenses - These authorise the sale of liquor on the licensed premises for consumption on the premises. Takeaway sales are prohibited. These include:
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On-License (Restaurant) - licensee may sell liquor to be consumed with a meal.
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On-License (Airport) - allows the sale of liquor at an airport for consumption on the licensed premises only.
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On-License (Theatre) - allows the sale of liquor to people attending entertainment at the theatre, for consumption on the licensed premises only.
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Caterer's License - enables the sale and supply of liquor at a function held at any premises at which the licensee provides catering services. The liquor must be consumed with food.
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On-License (Vessel) - liquor can only be supplied after the vessel has left its berth.
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On-License (Public Hall) - sale and supply must be at a dinner, reception, convention, seminar or similar.
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On-License 18 (4) (g) – only available where the applicant proves no other liquor license is suitable. The Board must certify that the premises are suitable for a liquor license.
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Nightclub License - before 8 pm the liquor must be supplied with a meal consumed at a table. After 8pm the liquor can be supplied in connection with the provision of entertainment (a light meal must still be available) or a meal consumed at a table. | 
