Coronavirus: Takeaway liquor rules relaxed to help eateries

States are relaxing liquor licensing to allow restaurants to sell alcohol with takeaway and delivery meals.

Pooley Wines general manager Angela Gosden and vineyard supervisor hannah mcKay at the Coal River Valley in Southern Tasmania. Picture: Peter Mathew

States are relaxing liquor licensing to allow restaurants to sell alcohol with takeaway and delivery meals, in a boost to the restaurant and wine industries and those self-­isolating.

The move, which varies from state to state, acknowledges the loss of revenue to restaurants and to the wine, beer and cider industries from the closure of dine-in restaurants. It has won strong support from restaurateurs and winemakers, while the hotel industry has also backed the move, in the hope it will see more licensed food venues survive the pandemic.

The shift requires the issuing of short-term licences with conditions or special orders, depending on the jurisdiction, with those to act so far including NSW, Western Australia and Queensland, and with Tasmania about to follow.

Liquor and Gaming NSW has published new guidelines confirming the shift. “Small bars and other licensed restaurants and cafes are now able to sell takeaway alcohol and deliveries,” it said. “This has been made possible by … a statement of regulatory intent that outlines how compliance with certain requirements will be approached.

“A flexible approach will be taken where licensed venues wish to provide home delivery or takeaway services.”

The Queensland government has also decided restaurants and cafes holding a current liquor licence “can also supply takeaway alcohol or delivery”. This is limited to sales with takeaway food, and only of bottled or canned beer, wine, cider or pre-mixed spirits.

In WA, the Australian Hotels Association had been advised licensed food venues not ordinarily allowed to sell takeaway alcohol can do so with a takeaway meal, limited to one six-pack of beer, cider or pre-mixed spirits.

In Tasmania, an official announcement is pending, but it is thought licensing officials will soon announce two bottles of wine or other alcohol can be sold with each takeaway or delivery meal.