Liquor and Gaming Specialists - providing advice on liquor licensing and gaming licensing in Queensland and providing RMLV & RSA Training.
Christmas Trading Hours in Queensland 2012
Christmas is only weeks away and we expect to receive a number of enquiries asking us what the permitted trading hours are over the Christmas and New Year break. 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. (The exemption for On Premises (Cabaret) licences was revoked on 1 January 2009.)
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, 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 2011.
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.
