Christmas is less than seven weeks away and we have already received a number of enquiries asking us what the Christmas trading hours are for liquor licences. We have outlined the relevant restrictions below.
Christmas Eve
At Midnight on Christmas Eve premises must stop serving alcohol. The 30 minute grace period applies but all patrons must be off the premises by 12.30am on Christmas Day.
This now applies to all licensed premises in Queensland.
On-Premises Sales Christmas Day
The sale of liquor on Christmas day is only permitted under certain circumstances.
With a meal – liquor may be supplied to a person who is eating a meal, in a place ordinarily set aside for dining. Liquor may be supplied under for one hour before the meal, during the meal and for one hour after the meal.
To in-house guests – liquor may be supplied to in-house guests of hotels (and their bona-fide guests), for consumption in the guest’s room or unit only, throughout Christmas Day.
Takeaway Sales on Christmas Day
Takeaway sales are not permitted on Christmas Day, all bottleshops must be closed.
Adult Entertainment on Christmas Day
Adult entertainment is not permitted on Christmas Day.
Boxing Day Trading
Normal trading resumes on Boxing Day. If you have approved extended trading you may reopen at 12.01am on Boxing Day.
New Year’s Eve Trading
All licensees are permitted to trade until 2am on New Years day, regardless of regular approved trading hours. The 30 minute grace period applies, meaning all patrons must be off the premises by 2.30am.
A licensee wishing to trade past 2am, and who does not have approved extended trading hours to do so, may apply for a one-off approval. This application must be made at least 21 days in advance; in other words before 10 December 2015.
Lockout Provisions on New Year’s Eve
For premises approved to trade past 3am, the lockout does not apply on the morning of New Year’s day.
Liquor & Gaming Specialists Office Hours
Our office will close at 12 noon, 24 December 2015 and reopen on 4 January 2016. We will be checking emails and responding to urgent enquiries over the break.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
