On 1 July 2015 the new QLD Nightclub licence category came into being. On that day any existing subsidiary on-premises licences, with the principal activity of entertainment, or applications for this type of licence, were converted to the new category. Here are four things you need to know about the Nightclub licence.
Nightclub Licence Trading Hours
The licence authorises trade from 10 am to Midnight each day. The new trading hours are not a result of the new licence category, rather they were introduced in the 2008 amendments. Before 1 January 2009 standard trading hours for the old Cabaret licence were 5 pm to 2 am, but some premises were approved to trade from 10 am as a restaurant. When the Cabaret licence was replaced, with the subsidiary on-premises (entertainment) licence, standard trading hours were brought into line with all other licence categories. However, OLGR has only recently acknowledged the standard trading hours apply to all licensees in this category, regardless of what approvals were in place before 2009, and the hours are now endorsed on all licence documents issued to Nightclub licensees.
Liquor With a Meal
The principle activity of a Nightclub licence is the provision of live entertainment. But from 10 am to 5 pm the licence authorises the sale of liquor in association with a meal OR while the business meets its principal activity. There are certain rules which apply if a licensee wishes to take advantage of this provision.
Minors On Nightclub Premises
Up until 5 pm minors may be on the premises if they are eating a meal or in the company of a responsible adult, but NOT after 5 pm. So, if the venue trades as a restaurant during the day, minors must leave the premises by 5 pm unless the licensee has obtained a customised approval under S155(4)(e).
Licence Fees
A notable change for holders of the new Nightclub licence is the substantial increase in the base annual licence fee: $3,388 compared to $626.50 for a Commercial Other licence (the category before 1 July 2015).