Extension to annual liquor licence fees

Thousands of hospitality businesses will have an extra four months to pay their annual liquor licence fees says Minister for Hospitality and Racing, Kevin Anderson.

“We recognise that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on thousands of our State’s pubs, clubs, restaurants, bars and other hospitality businesses,” Mr Anderson said.

“The extension is applicable to all liquor licensees, so we encourage businesses to take the extra time to pay if they feel it will help their bottom line.”

Mr Anderson said invoices for the annual liquor licence fees will be issued as usual this month, with the due date postponed from 30 May to 30 September.

“We want to put businesses and workers first so they can continue to be the lifeblood for local communities across the state,” Mr Anderson said.    

The announcement was welcomed by the Australian Hotels Association NSW CEO John Whelan who said this extension is good news for the hospitality industry.

“Hotels have been doing it tough for more than two years now - even when hotel doors finally opened across the state, the restrictions meant venues were operating at half capacity or less until just a couple of months ago.

“Hotels in the recent flood-affected areas are now also dealing with many additional challenges as they struggle to get back on their feet," Mr Whelan said.

Mr Anderson said annual fees were automatically waived for most liquor licences at the start of the pandemic in 2020. Eligible venues are still able to apply for fee waivers on financial hardship grounds. 

Pictured owner of the Armatree Hotel Ash Walker with thanks to Lion & Gotcha4Life.