Alcohol Licensing for Queensland Fundraisers

Updated: 1 January 2016

Whether you’re serving pinot noir as part of a sit-down dinner, or pouring pints after the footy, two things are  certain – alcohol can be a pretty effective fundraiser, and you’ll probably need a license to sell it. We’ve summarised the basics.

A note of caution: this article is intended only as a general guide. While the information provided is correct, to the best of our knowledge, at the time of publication, we strongly advise anyone who is planning to sell alcohol to seek the advice of the regulating authority below.

Licensing Authority: Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation

There are two liquor licenses that are particularly relevant for fundraisers in Queensland:

1. Community Other Licence
2. Community Club Licence

Important: If you are holding a fundraising event, you may be eligible for an exemption. See the Community Liquor Permit exemption assessment page.

1. Community Other Licence

• This is for smaller clubs with reduced trading hours which are largely operated by volunteers. This licence is given to organizations that trade for no more than 25 hours per week. It is for non-proprietary clubs only and includes incorporated associations  or unincorporated associations with an individual to hold the licence on the association’s behalf.
• The application process includes proving the licensee will be a ‘fit and proper or suitable person’, the organization is an eligible association and includes making a risk assessment management plan.

Trading Hours

• Liquor may be sold for a maximum of 25 hours per week from Monday to Sunday, between the hours of 10am and 12 midnight. The club can’t apply for extended trading hours.

Conditions

• Alcohol sold under this license cannot be taken away from the premises.
• There must be a register of all members and visitors.
• The licensee will probably need to attend the Responsible Management of Licensed Venues training.
• Volunteer servers must have supervisor with a current RMLV certification.
• Fees are charged for all applications.
• For more requirements, details and FAQs, see the Community other licence fact page.

2. Community Club Licence

• For non-proprietary clubs for example: sporting, RSL or ethnic clubs.
• The application process includes proving the licensee will be a ‘fit and proper or suitable person’, the organization is an eligible association and includes making a risk assessment management plan.
• There is a base fee for an application and may also include other fees depending on whether the OLGR decides there is more risk involved in a particular licensee.

Trading Hours

Ordinary hours are 10am – midnight, Monday – Sunday. To increase those hours, the club must apply and show there is ‘community need’, or that it conducts an approved sport (lawn bowls or golf).

Conditions

• Serving rules change whether you’re selling to members or non-members. See the community club licence fact page for more details.
• There must be a register of all members and visitors.
• A sports club may also apply to include another premises on the license for the occasional sale of liquor.
• An approved manager may be required.
• The licensee or manager will probably need to attend the Responsible Management of Licensed Venues training.
• Volunteer servers must have supervisor with current RMLV certification.
• For more requirements and details, see the community club licence fact page.

Useful links:

Queensland alcohol license categories

Community Other licence fact page

Community Club licence fact page

Guidelines

Non-profit fundraising events: Alcohol, safety and event management – planning guide