Opening a small bar
What you need to know regarding small and wine bar development applications.
Project Status: When you need to do this
To reactivate fine-grain spaces in the city and build a diverse, eclectic and unique night-time culture, the City of Sydney encourages a varied mix of venues such as small bars.
If you want to open a small bar, these are the steps required.
What you need to do
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Check if development consent is needed
Before you can open a small bar you must first find out if development consent is needed for the proposed premises.
No consent required: apply directly for a liquor licence
If consent is not required because there is an existing development approval and there are no changes required to the conditions of consent, you can apply for a liquor licence directly with Liquor & Gaming NSW.
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If consent is required, lodge a development application
If development consent is required for the premises, you will need to lodge a development application.
- Before you sign a lease, contact our planning staff on 02 9265 9333 to discuss any approvals you may need.
- When you are ready to get started, you will need just one application form: application for development – food and drink premises. It covers restaurants, cafes, takeaways, pubs, clubs and small bars.
Before you start
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Extend your trading hours
If you own an existing small bar and want to extend your trading hours, apply to extend your business trading hours.
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Liquor and outdoor dining applications
Liquor licence applications to Liquor & Gaming NSW and footpath usage applications to the City of Sydney can be submitted at the same time but approval will not be provided until development consent has been obtained.
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Planning advice
For general planning advice, speak to a duty planner.
