City of Sydney

| Skip to Content | Skip to Menu | Careers  | Contact Us  |   About Us  |   Media Releases

Small Bars

City of Sydney encourages a varied mix of venues, like small bars, in the City Centre. We provide assistance and support for local business and entrepreneurs and are reactivating parts of the City Centre at night to help build a diverse, eclectic and unique culture.

Small Bars

Small Bar Approvals Process in the City Centre

When opening a small bar in the City Centre you must first determine whether development consent is required for the proposed premises. It is recommended that you check with the relevant area planner (Contact the City and ask for your area planner on Tel: 02 9265 9333).

If development consent is not required i.e. there is existing development approval in place and no changes are required to the conditions of consent; you may apply directly to the NSW Office of Liquor Gaming & Racing (OLGR) for your liquor license.

If development consent is required for the premises then you will be required to lodge a development application (DA) in accordance with Local Government regulations, refer “ A guide to lodging Development Applications – brochure” also see DA process chart.

Note applications for liquor licenses, development consent and footpath use can be submitted simultaneously however approvals will not be granted until development consent is obtained.

How to open a Small Bar

A Process Guide for small business owners and operators.

How to open a Small Bar Click to enlarge

Small bar applicants may also be eligible for small business grants.

For latest information on the liquor licence freeze please visit the NSW Office of Liquor Gaming & Racing.

Website: OLGR

Missed the Small Bar Seminar?

Download audio and video presentations from the Small Bar Seminar, 27 April 2009 here.

More Information

For more information about opening a small bar in the City of Sydney please contact:

Richard Roberts
Business Development Coordinator
Laneways and Small Bars
Tel: 02 9265 9928
Email: riroberts@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Downloads

To view PDF files you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. Get Acrobat Reader Now. PDF Accessibility.

Back to top

Last Updated: Thursday 10 March, 2011

Please Note:
While care is taken to ensure accuracy, the City of Sydney cannot guarantee that information expressed here is correct and recommends that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. The City of Sydney makes no warranty or undertaking, whether expressed or implied, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect.