What do I need before I apply for a tobacco licence

Before applying for a tobacco licence, you must:

Who can apply for a tobacco licence on behalf of a business?

Depending on the legal structure of your business, you can submit an application for a tobacco licence if you are:

  • A sole trader — you can submit an application as the applicant
  • A director of a corporation — you can submit an application as the relevant person, on behalf of the corporation. You will need to upload a director consent form from all other directors of the corporation
  • A trustee of a trust - you can submit an application as the relevant person, on behalf of the trust
  • A pa​rtner of a partnership - you can submit an application as the relevant person, on behalf of the partnership.

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How do I obtain a National Police Check?

You must obtain a National Police Check within the previous 3 months and submit it as part of your licence application.

If you are the relevant person applying on behalf of a corporation, you must submit a National Police Check for yourself. All other directors must complete a director consent form, which includes consent for a National Police Check during assessment or the licence period.

If you are a permanent resident of NSW, you can apply here: Apply for a National Police Check

If you live outside NSW, apply for a National Police Check in your state or territory.

Allow time for processing as National Police Checks can take several weeks.

For more information, visit the NSW Police website

What class of tobacco retailer licence do I need?

A tobacco retail licence falls into one of three classes:

  • retail premises
  • online
  • liquor licensed hospitality venue.

You must select only one class of licence per application.

If you sell both in-person and online, you must apply for two separate licences—one for retail premises and one for online sales—even if both operate from the same location.

The "liquor licensed hospitality venue" class is for businesses with an on-premises liquor licence (e.g. bar, pub, hotel). If your business only has a packaged liquor licence (e.g. bottle shop, supermarket), select "retail premises" instead.

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Cost of a licence and consent for partial refund if licence is refused

A fee of $1,100 applies for each tobacco licence application. This includes administrative costs for assessing the application.

By applying, you consent to a partial refund of up to $770 being considered if your application is refused.

Privacy Collection Notice and consent to sharing information

​Information relating to your application, including criminal history, may be sent to the corporation email you provided, or otherwise communicated to the corporation you are applying on behalf of.

You also agree to the Privacy Collection Notice


 

What do I do if I'm unable to complete the online application?

If you need more information, check the NSW Tobacco Licensing Scheme webpageIf you need help with the application process or have further questions about the tobacco licensing scheme, call the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.  ​​
Current as at: Thursday 18 September 2025