You need approval from the licensing authority to:
- change the layout of a licensed venue - for example, move the bar
- make any structural changes - for example, remove a wall
- change or redefine the approved licensed area.
When applying you'll need to meet certain requirements and provide a range of documents.
What you'll need
Documents
To alter or redefine a licensed premises you'll need to upload these documents (a clear photo is acceptable):
- a community impact submission (if applicable)
- two floor plans of the licensed premises with the proposed changes - how to submit plans for licensed premises (PDF 344KB)
- a copy of the lease agreement and permission from the landlord if you don't own the property, or a certificate of title if you do own the property
- if the licensed area is increasing, you may need a capacity assessment from either:
- the council
- a private certifier
- a registered architect.
After submitting the application
After you have submitted your application, you must either:
- provide a completed Council Approvals - Liquor Licence Application (PDF 50.89KB), unless your licence will be restricted to the sale of liquor through direct sales transactions only
- confirm that council development is not required.
The documents must be lodged seven days before the date that your application will be considered. You'll be advised of this date after you submit your application.
What happens next
You can log in to LGO at any time to track the progress of your application.
Some applications are sent to the South Australia Police Licensing Enforcement Branch.
Some are also required to be advertised.
CBS will advise you of the next steps and what you need to do.
Submissions and interventions
If your application needs to be advertised, anyone will be able to submit their concerns and object to the application.
For example, if your neighbours think your business is going to be noisy or if they are concerned your business will have an impact on the neighbourhood they may consider lodging a submission with the commissioner.
The police may also intervene in your application if they have concerns about public safety and disturbance or the fitness and propriety of any person holding the licence.
If all the approvals are in place and there are no concerns raised by any member of the public (submissions) or police (interventions), the application process will take approximately six to eight weeks.
Submissions or interventions must be lodged at least seven days before the determination date.
If anyone submits a concern regarding your application you'll receive a copy.
You may then be asked to submit a response to the commissioner.
In some rare circumstances, you may also be asked to:
- take part in a conciliation conference with SAPOL (or anyone else who submitted their concerns) and the commissioner or a delegate
- attend a hearing before the Licensing Court.
When determining a matter, the commissioner or delegate must consider all submissions, interventions and responses.
