Get Liquor Licence Ready in WA
Why Your Business Plan Matters More Than You Think
Applying for a liquor licence in Western Australia?
A strong business plan is the difference between a smooth approval and costly delays. Here’s how our workshop helps.
Why a Business Plan Is Essential for Your Liquor Licence Application
Applying for a liquor licence in WA, whether it’s a small bar in Leederville, a licensed restaurant in Subiaco, or a bottle shop in Fremantle - means more than just filling out forms. The process is comprehensive, regulated, and often misunderstood, especially by first-time applicants.
Your business plan is the foundation that ties all your documents, declarations, and decisions together. It proves that you’re not just opening a venue - you’re running a responsible, sustainable, and community-conscious business.
What’s Involved in a WA Liquor Licence Application?
To be approved, your liquor licence application must meet strict requirements from the DLGSC and often your local council (e.g. City of Perth, City of Stirling, City of Rockingham, Town of Victoria Park.).
Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll typically need to submit:
Application Form
Floor plans and site drawings
Certificate of Local Government Authority support
RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certification for staff
Public Interest Assessment (PIA) — for most licence types
Detailed Business Plan
Financial documents and forecasts
Why Your Business Plan Makes or Breaks the Application
Licensing authorities want reassurance that your venue won’t become a problem. They look for signs that:
You understand your obligations under the Liquor Control Act
Your venue fills a real need in your community
You can operate sustainably, ethically, and safely
A complete and professional business plan proves you’ve thought through:
Who your customers are
How your venue fits into the local area
What your finances look like over time
How you’ll market, staff, and manage your venue
How you’ll meet ongoing compliance obligations
What the Public Interest Assessment (PIA) Really Means
Yes, the PIA is a separate document. But it’s also the part that causes applicants the most stress.
That’s because it requires you to:
Show how your venue won’t negatively impact the community
Justify the social, cultural, or economic benefit of your business
Provide data or insights to back up your claims
Here’s the good news: if you’ve attended our Business Planning Workshop, you’ll already have 90% of what you need for a compelling PIA.
Our workshop helps you define:
Customer segments and target markets
Operational practices and safety measures
Staff structure and training
Financial sustainability
Community engagement strategies
So while the PIA must be submitted separately, your plan becomes the blueprint for completing it with clarity and confidence.
The Essentials We Help You Get Right
Vision & Strategy
Define your mission, brand promise, and USP to show why your venue matters - not just today, but long-term.
Financial Planning
Build solid forecasts, capital needs, and cost breakdowns. Financial clarity builds licensing confidence.
Team & Compliance
Clarify your team structure, RSA training, and management roles - essential for running a safe, legal venue.
Market Insight
Show demand with competitor research, customer profiles, and a smart marketing plan.
Operations & Risk
Detail your trading hours, venue layout, and community impact controls. This supports both your PIA and council approvals.
Common Mistakes That Delay Applications
Many licence applications are delayed or rejected due to:
Vague or incomplete business plans
Unclear financial projections
No evidence of community benefit or demand
Missing compliance details (like training or risk plans)
Poorly structured Public Interest Assessments (PIAs)
Our workshop helps you avoid these pitfalls by giving you a clear structure, real-world strategy, and support to build a plan that aligns with licensing expectations - no guesswork, no fluff.
Create a business plan that supports your liquor licence application and sets your venue up for long-term success.
Get expert guidance, clear structure, and real outcomes - all in one workshop.
Ready to Plan for Approval and Take the Stress Out of Your Liquor Licence Application?
Suzzanne has been awarded global leader in business planning for multiple years running, placing her at the top of over 1,000 coaches worldwide.
As one of Australia’s top business coaches and strategic planning consultants, her passion lies in helping business owners to strategically and proactively plan and build a leveraged business model for success
We’ll help you to strategically plan a model that works for you, as we understand every business is unique.