When you don't need a liquor licence

Normally a liquor licence is required to sell or supply alcohol in South Australia, but there are some circumstances when a licence isn’t needed.

Aircraft

Aircraft operators don’t need a liquor licence to sell liquor to adults when they consume it on board the aircraft.

Bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation

Cottage or B&B style accommodation for a maximum of 16 people don’t need a liquor licence if:

• the alcohol is complimentary
• the alcohol is supplied to an adult staying at the premises
• the alcohol has been purchased on a retail basis from a licensee
• the supply of liquor is ancillary to the provision of accommodation
• no more than 1.5 litres per accommodation booking is supplied
• alcohol is supplied with a meal hosted by the operator of the accommodation, no more than 750 ml per person
• a picnic basket with alcohol is supplied, no more than 750 ml per adult.

Businesses selling gifts

Businesses don’t need a liquor licence to sell alcohol with the sale of flowers, confectionery, food or items designed to be a genuine gift to a person other than the purchaser if:

• the gift is delivered directly to the recipient of the gift, at a place other than the premises where the business is conducted
• the alcohol was purchased on a retail basis from a licensee
• the volume of alcohol supplied does not exceed 2.25 litres
• the value of the alcohol is not more than 50% of the total sale price of the gift
• both the purchaser and the person receiving the gift are aged 18 or over.

Cruise vessels operating in South Australian waters

Cruise vessels don’t need a liquor licence to sell alcohol on board while it is operating within South Australian waters if:

• the vessel has sleeping facilities for at least 100 passengers (other than crew members)
• alcohol is only sold or supplied to passengers or crew members to drink on the vessel
• alcohol is sold by and to an adult
• alcohol is not sold or supplied to an intoxicated person.

Duty free shops

Duty free shops don’t need a liquor licence to sell alcohol to people travelling outside Australia, or entering Australia where the person takes the liquor with them.

Funeral homes

Funeral homes don’t need a liquor licence to supply liquor when providing funeral services as the main service. The alcohol must be free and consumed on the premises.

Hairdressers, barbers and jewellers

Hairdressers, barbers or jewellers don't need a liquor licence to supply alcohol to a client when providing hairdressing or barber services, or selling jewellery as the main service. The alcohol must be free and consumed on the premises.

Hospitals and nursing homes

Hospitals don’t need a liquor licence to sell alcohol for patients to drink on the premises if the sale is made by and to an adult.

Patient accommodation

Patient accommodation services don’t need a liquor licence to sell alcohol to a patient or a guest of a patient at their accommodation. The sale must be made by and to an adult and the alcohol must be consumed on the premises.

Retirement villages

Retirement villages don’t need a liquor licence to sell liquor to a resident or a guest of a resident. The sale must be made by and to an adult and the alcohol must be consumed on the premises.

Secondary schools

Secondary schools don't need a licence if they are selling liquor produced as part of a course offered by the school and sold as part of, or for the purpose of, that course.

The sale must be made by and to an adult.

Related information

On this site

Apply for a liquor licence