As featured in the latest edition of the QHA Review
From State of Origin and the FIFA World Cup to major music festivals and public holidays, major events can create valuable opportunities for Queensland venues to attract patrons outside their ordinary trading hours.
While most licensed venues are familiar with their approved trading hours, some may not be aware that temporary trading approvals may be available in certain circumstances. These approvals can help venues capitalise on increased demand associated with major sporting, cultural and community events.
Depending on the circumstances, temporary approvals may be available both before 10:00am and between midnight and 5:00am. However, licensees should be aware that applications for temporary extended trading hours must be lodged at least 21 days before the relevant event and are subject to annual limits, making advance planning essential.
Trading before 10:00am
Many international sporting events occur outside standard trading hours due to time zone differences. Events such as the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics and international cricket tournaments can generate significant patron interest during the early hours of the morning.
Eligible licensees may apply for temporary approvals to trade before 10:00am in certain circumstances. Depending on the type of licence and the nature of the event, temporary approvals may be available from 7:00am or 9:00am.
Applications for pre-10:00am trading generally require the applicant to demonstrate a community need for the extended trading hours. The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation’s (OLGR) Guideline 46 provides further guidance regarding this requirement, including factors the Commissioner may consider.
Operators should also be aware that temporary approvals before 10:00am are limited to four approved dates in any one-year period.
Trading between midnight and 5:00am
Venues may also apply for temporary extended trading hours between midnight and 5:00am for special occasions.
These permits are intended to accommodate a special public event or a private function that is not open to the public (such as a wedding or birthday) and are generally limited to six approved dates per calendar year.
To obtain a late-night permit, the applicant must demonstrate that the extended trading hours relate to a special occasion and apply either during the event itself or a reasonable period before or after it.
What counts as a ‘special occasion’?
OLGR’s Guideline 68 identifies a range of events that may qualify as a special occasion for a temporary late-night permit. Importantly, the guideline identifies a range of public events that are accepted as special occasions, meaning licensees are not required to provide evidence that those events constitute a special occasion.
Examples include public holidays, State of Origin and other major sporting events, FIFA, Rugby and Cricket World Cups, major music festivals and concerts, Riverfire, and cultural celebrations such as Oktoberfest, Lunar New Year and Halloween.
While Guideline 68 provides useful guidance, approvals are not granted automatically, and each application remains subject to OLGR assessment.
Recent developments
A recent example can be seen in the Queensland Government’s response to the Australian Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign. In June 2026, the Queensland Government announced a trial allowing eligible Commercial Hotel and Community Club licensees to apply to trade between 3:00am and 7:00am to broadcast Australia’s knockout match against Egypt.
To trade during the Socceroos clash, licensed venues were required to open for the primary purpose of broadcasting the game and obtain prior approval from OLGR. Approved venues were permitted to sell liquor during the extended trading hours, but all other licensing laws and requirements continued to apply, including responsible service of alcohol (RSA) requirements and restrictions on the sale and supply of rapid intoxication drinks between midnight and 5:00am.
While approvals remained subject to OLGR assessment, the initiative demonstrates the Queensland Government’s willingness to facilitate trading opportunities associated with major events while supporting Queensland’s hospitality industry.
With Brisbane preparing to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, venue operators may benefit from keeping abreast of similar initiatives and opportunities that may arise in connection with future major events.
Planning ahead
Given the annual limits on temporary approvals and the requirement to lodge applications at least 21 days before the relevant event, venues may benefit from reviewing their annual events calendar and identifying opportunities well in advance.
Major sporting events, cultural celebrations, festivals and public holidays can all provide opportunities to increase patronage and revenue. By understanding the available options and planning ahead, operators can position themselves to take advantage of these opportunities while remaining compliant with Queensland’s liquor licensing requirements.
If you are considering extending your venue’s trading hours or would like advice regarding liquor licensing requirements, please contact me on 07 3224 0230.
