Requirements when converting licences for clubs.
Pursuant to section 63(ca) of the Liquor Control Act1988 (the Act), the licensing authority may remove the restrictions on a club restricted licence so that it can be converted to a club licence. Where a holder of a club restricted licence seeks to remove the restrictions imposed on that licence so that it operates as a club licence, an application to convert to a club licence is necessary.
In essence, the difference between a club restricted licence and a club licence is that a club restricted licence cannot sell packaged liquor to members, the trading hours are determined by the Director rather than specified by the Act and all liquor must be purchased from any retail or wholesale liquor outlet authorised to sell packaged liquor (other than the holder of a club licence).
Please note that penalty provisions apply to any person that does not comply with the requirements of the Act.
The licensing authority will generally only accept complete applications. Therefore, please ensure that all documentation is provided with your application to avoid delays.
In the case of an application to convert to a club licence, the applicant may be required to demonstrate that the application is in the public interest, having regard to the likely health and social impacts on the community and sub-groups within the community. The applicant will be advised during the processing of the application if it will apply.
Applicants must lodge completed applications at the department. An application should be made using the forms provided below.
Department staff will be available between 8.30 am and 4.00 pm to assess your application to ensure that it meets the legislative requirements prior to lodgement
An application is not considered lodged until the fee has been received. An invoice for payment will be issued on receipt of your emailed or posted form and can either be paid through the licensee's online portal account, by posting a cheque made payable to the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries or a BPOINT payment link can be emailed on request. Application fees are not subject to GST.
Applications will not be progressed until the fee is received. Generally the application fee is not refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.
After lodgement, should you be requested to provide either a public interest assessment or plans for the premises the following policies provide more detail on requirements.
Before granting a liquor licence, the Director of Liquor Licensing (DLL) must be satisfied that a premises is (or will be, if not yet built) of a sufficient standard to be suitable for the proposed business1.
When determining the required standard of the premises, the DLL will consider the class of licence or permit sought, the usual requirements of customers of that type of venue and that it will comply with relevant planning laws2. The DLL also requires that once licensed, the premises is maintained at a standard that is reasonable, given the class of licence, the locality, and the expectations of the public3.
For the DLL to be satisfied that a premises is suitable for the proposed purpose, it must:
To assist the DLL in deciding whether the proposed premises is suitable, an application for a liquor licence must include a floor plan that is to scale and allows assessment of the premises6, depicting:
This plan will assist in the assessment of the application, and if the licence is granted will be used to define the licensed area for the premises.
As a minimum, licensed premises must meet the requirements of all relevant written laws, whether they are set at the national, state or local government level. For example, depending on the proposed type of business7, a premises would need to comply with the:
Licensees must ensure that the premises is maintained at a standard that is reasonable, given the class of licence, the locality, and the expectations of the public10. The DLL considers this to mean that the premises must continue to meet the requirements of all relevant written laws, be fit for the proposed purpose and not unduly inconvenience patrons or the surrounding neighbourhood.
For example, this means that:
In addition, regardless of the type of liquor licence, every licensed premises must be kept in good repair and be clean and hygienic.11
If the DLL determines that it is in the public interest to do so, the DLL may require the licensee or owner of the licensed premises to remedy any inadequacy or unsuitability of the licensed premises, in a specified manner and timeframe.12
If the licensee does not comply, the DLL may require the owner of the premises to undertake the specified action13, and a penalty of up to $1000 per day may be imposed if the licensee or owner fails to comply.14 Whether or not the penalty is payable, the DLL may initiate disciplinary action by referring a complaint to the Liquor Commission.15
Grounds for disciplinary action in relation to the licensed premises include that the premises:
Further information is available at Liquor applications | DLGSC, or telephone 61 8 6551 4888.
The policy on this subject is general information and is not professional advice or a legal opinion. The information is provided on the understanding that any person reading it must take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy.
3 February 2025
Ensure all required documentation is attached to your application.
Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety
Level 2, Gordon Stephenson House, 140 William Street Perth WA 6000
Ensure all documentation is attached to your email.
rgl@lgirs.wa.gov.au
PO Box 8349Perth Business Centre WA 6849
You can submit online through the portal.
This information is designed to provide authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered, and with the understanding that the Director of Liquor Licensing is not passing legal opinion or interpretation or other professional advice. The information is provided on the understanding that all persons undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its contents.