A temporary authority enables a new owner of licensed premises to continue the sale or supply of liquor until their own licence is issued. A temporary authority can only be issued if there is an existing licence in force for the premises.
Temporary authorities are issued for up to three months while the new owner makes application for their own licence. In some cases, for various reasons, it may take longer than three months for a new licence application to be lodged and determined in which case further temporary authorities may be applied for. Generally no more than three temporary authorities will be issued without good reason.
The holder of a temporary authority has the same duties, obligations and liabilities under the Act as the holder of the licence to which the temporary authority relates.
The fee for a temporary authority is $134.93 which is non refundable. The application for a temporary authority should be accompanied by proof of the applicant’s right or interest in the premises or business. This may include documentation such as a signed lease agreement for the premises or a sale and purchase agreement for the business.