Christmas is less than three 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 liquor must be consumed or disposed of by 12.30am. Although a licensee can allow patrons to remain on the premises to enjoy entertainment or purchase food or non-alcoholic drinks after this time, gaming and adult entertainment are not permitted at any time on Christmas Day – no matter what approvals you have.
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 that has been prepared on the premises, in a place ordinarily set aside for dining. A person who has expressed an intention to dine may be supplied liquor:
- For up to one hour before ordering their meal; and
- After ordering and until they have finished eating; and
- For up to one hour after they have finished eating.
To in-house guests – liquor may be supplied to in-house guests of hotels/motels (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.
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 (except ‘community other’ licensees and any licensee with specific conditions relating to this period) are permitted to sell or supply liquor until 2.00am on New Year’s day, regardless of regular approved trading hours. The 30 minute grace period applies, meaning patrons must not consume liquor on the premises or take it away from the premises after 2.30am.
A licensee wishing to trade past 2.00am, and who does not have approved extended trading hours to do so, may apply for a one-off approval. Applications for temporary (one-off) approvals for extended trading hours must be lodged at least 21 days in advance, therefore by 10 December.
In any calendar year licensees may obtain up to six one-off approvals for post-midnight trading. Previously, an approval for New Year’s Eve was considered to be for 1 January, but is now regarded to apply to 31 December. Therefore, a licensee who has reached their limit for 2024 will be unable to gain an approval for New Year’s Eve.
Liquor & Gaming Specialists Office Hours
Our office will close at 4.00pm on 24 December 2024 and reopen on 2 January 2025. We will be checking emails and responding to urgent enquiries over the break.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
