Alcohol licences

Sale of alcohol to the public requires the seller to have a licence. There are different types of licence :

On Licence

This licence allows the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises – eg. tavern, bar, café, restaurant, hotel. The licence is initially issued for one year and may be renewed for three years.

BYO Endorsed On-Licence

This licence allows for the consumption of alcohol brought to the premises by persons who are there for the purpose of dining.  It does not allow the licensee to sell or supply alcohol. Initially issued for one year.  May be renewed for three years. The application form for a BYO Endorsed On-Licence is the same as an On-Licence.

Off Licence

This licence allows the sale and supply of alcohol to persons for consumption off the premises – eg. a bottle store or supermarket. Initially issued for one year.  May be renewed for three years. Supermarkets and grocery stores can only sell wine and beer.

Club Licence

This licence allows the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption on club premises to club members and their guests only. No sales to the general public are allowed under this type of licence. Licence initially issued for one year. May be renewed for three years. 

Special Licence

 A special licence allows for the sale of alcohol at special occasions or events, eg. a sporting event.  A special licence can also be issued to an On or Club licensee for an event not covered by their existing licence. Must be submitted at least 20 working days prior to the proposed function.

Temporary Authority

A temporary authority allows a new owner of a licensed premise to trade on the previous licence until a new licence can be issued in the new owners name. Issued for a maximum of 3 months.

Applying for a licence

District Licensing Committees (DLCs) consider all applications for licences in each territorial authority. Both contested and uncontested applications are considered by a local DLC. A DLC can transfer an application to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) for a decision if the chair of ARLA agrees. 

To know more about the criteria for assessing applications please visit health promotion agency's alcohol website.

Application forms

Application-Form-3-On-Licence-New-and-Renewal.pdf(PDF, 598KB)
Application-Form-4-Off-Licence-New-and-Renewal.pdf(PDF, 590KB)
Application-Form-5-Club-licence-or-Renewal-of-Club-licence.pdf(PDF, 336KB)
Application-for-Special-Licence.pdf(PDF, 361KB)
Application-for-Temporary-Authority.pdf(PDF, 164KB)
Notice-of-management-change.pdf(PDF, 25KB)