What do I need before I apply for a tobacco licence

Before applying for a tobacco licence, you must:

• Be over 18 years old
• Have proof of identity documents to validate your identity in a MyServiceNSW account
• Be an ABN holder or a director of the corporation
• Have a National Police Check obtained within the previous 3 months
• Understand your obligations as a tobacco licence holder, including complying with all tobacco retailing requirements
• Consent to a partial refund of the licence application fee being considered if your application is refused

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

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

• A sole trader — you can apply as the applicant
• A director of a corporation — you can apply 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 or a pa​rtner of a 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​