Liquor licensing in NSW

The question arose about licensed restaurants (ie., that sell alcohol) vs. BYO restaurants in Sydney - does a BYO-only restaurant need to have some kind of liquor license?

According to the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing, the answer is no. But, the business must get approval from its local council. Business owners are also encouraged to have their staff formally trained on the responsible serving of alcohol, but are not obliged to. For licensed restaurants, the course is mandatory for serving staff.

There are new laws coming in for NSW, which are expected to take effect in the second half of 2008. Currently there is a $15K 'Dine or Drink' license, which is prohibitive for small operators, and will be abolished. There will be a new type of license called 'on-premises', for restaurants, theatres, etc., where the primary purpose of the business is not about serving alcohol (ie., a bar or pub). This fee will only be a small processing fee (ie., probably a few hundred$). For the small bar whose primary business purpose is to serve alcohol, but doesn't serve meals or sell takeaway alcohol, they will be able to get a "general bar" license for $500.
New liquor licensing: http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/legislation_liquor_reform.asp