Trading hours
It is essential that licensees are familiar with conditions relating to trading hours.
The Trading hours fact sheet is a useful guide.
Guideline 19: Patrons on premises at times other than when liquor may be sold or consumed, is also recommended reading.
3 am lockout
A 3 am lockout applies to all late-trading licensed premises across Queensland.
The lockout allows licensees with extended hours authorities to continue trading until 5 am, but will not allow the entry or re-entry of patrons after 3 am. For example, if patrons go outside to smoke, move their car, or meet up with friends, they cannot be allowed back inside the venue.
More information can be found in the 3 am lockout fact sheet
Good Friday, Anzac and Christmas Eves
On these days, trading must finish at 12 midnight regardless of whether your extended hours authority allows later trading at other times. This means that the bar must finish serving at 12 midnight on the eve of the special day. Patrons must finish drinks and leave the premises by 12.30 am.
Easter trading hours
Special restrictions are in place for licensed premises over the Easter holidays:
- Good Friday: Licensed premises can open at 10am, however, patrons will only be able to buy or be supplied alcohol while eating a meal prepared on the premises and eaten in an area of the premises ordinarily set aside for dining.
- Easter Sunday and Monday: Licensed premises can trade at their usual opening times.
More information can be found in the Easter trading hours fact sheet.
Anzac Day trading conditions
Standard licence conditions
Before 1 pm on Anzac Day, liquor may only be sold or supplied in conjunction with a meal in a part of the premises that is ordinarily set aside for dining, if the meal is also prepared, served and intended to be eaten on the premises.
The sale of takeaway liquor is not permitted prior to 1 pm on Anzac Day. After 1 pm on Anzac Day, normal trading hours apply.
5 am trading on Anzac Day for RSL or services clubs
All licensed RSL and services clubs can trade from 5 am on Anzac Day as part of their ordinary trading hours. They do not need to apply for a permit to do this, as was previously the case. However, conditions do apply.
Conditions can be found in the Anzac Day trading conditions fact sheet.
Christmas and New Year trading hours
Christmas Day trading
Hotel in-house guests can be provided with alcohol in their room or unit. Patrons who are not in-house guests can be provided with alcohol only while eating a meal in the dining area between 10 am and 12 midnight. Bottle shops and adult entertainment venues are closed. More information can be found in the Christmas and New Year trading hours fact sheet.
Boxing Day trading
On Boxing Day, usual trading hours and conditions resume.
New Year’s Eve trading
On New Year’s Eve, all licensees are permitted to trade until 2 am. This applies regardless of your regular approved trading hours. Licensees who are not currently approved to trade past 2 am and wish to trade after 2 am must apply for a ‘one-off’ extended hours permit.
More information can be found in the Christmas and New Year trading hours fact sheet.
Contacts
- General liquor licence inquiries: phone QGOV (13 74 68)
- Liquor licence compliance inquiries: email liquor-compliance-enquiries@deedi.qld.gov.au
Last reviewed 18 July 2011