Published by the AAAT Compliance Team · Access All Areas Training (RTO 52312). Last reviewed: 19 October 2026 · Primary source: Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC), Racing, Gaming and Liquor; Liquor Control Act 1988 (WA).
Quick answer
Western Australia issues two kinds of approved manager card, and they are not interchangeable. The restricted card limits you to occasional, club and club restricted licensed venues only. The unrestricted card allows you to work at any licensed venue in WA, including occasional venues. They also require different training: the restricted card requires the nationally accredited RSA course, while the unrestricted card requires the Course in Management of Licensed Premises, which has RSA as a prerequisite.
If you work in, or expect to work in, a hotel, tavern, nightclub, restaurant, small bar or liquor store, the restricted card does not cover you. You need the unrestricted card.
The two cards, side by side
Restricted approved manager
- Where you can work — occasional, club and club restricted licensed venues in Western Australia only
- Training required — the nationally accredited RSA course
- Typical holder — people working solely in club environments or at occasional licensed events
- Limitation — it does not cover hotels, taverns, nightclubs, restaurants, small bars or liquor stores
Unrestricted approved manager
- Where you can work — any licensed venue in Western Australia, including occasional venues
- Training required — the Course in Management of Licensed Premises (MLPLCA001 Manage legislative responsibilities for the sale, supply and service of liquor), with the RSA course as a prerequisite
- Typical holder — pub, tavern, nightclub, restaurant, small bar and bottle shop managers, and anyone who wants flexibility across venues
- Advantage — you never have to re-apply when you move between venue types
Our recommendation for most people is the unrestricted card. The restricted card is genuinely narrow — it is built for club and occasional venues, not for general hospitality. Unless you are certain you will only ever work in those settings, the unrestricted card is the one that follows you through a career. Check DLGSC's current guidance before choosing.
The presence rule — why this card is effectively a job requirement
Under section 100(2a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988, an approved manager must be present at the licensed premises at any time when business is conducted at those premises. That is what turns the card from a nice-to-have into a staffing requirement: a venue cannot trade without an approved manager on site.
DLGSC provides for a temporary approved manager when the approved manager is absent. A temporary approved manager may act for up to 7 consecutive days, and for no more than 7 days in any 28-day period. That is a short-term cover arrangement, not a substitute for having approved managers on staff.
The practical consequence for venues: one approved manager is a single point of failure. If that person resigns, goes on leave beyond the temporary window, or is off sick, the venue's ability to trade is constrained. Two or more approved managers on the roster is the sensible position.
Worked scenarios
"I'm a bartender in Fremantle and want to move into management." Do the unrestricted course now, before you're offered the role. Managers who already hold approval get hired faster, and the police certificate and DLGSC processing take time you don't want to spend after accepting a job.
"We're opening a small bar in Perth — the owner will be there most nights." The owner being present does not satisfy the presence rule. An approved manager must be present whenever business is conducted. Budget for at least one approved manager on staff, and realistically two, so the roster can absorb leave and sickness.
"Our only approved manager just resigned." You can use a temporary approved manager for up to 7 consecutive days, and no more than 7 days in any 28-day period. That is your window, and it's short. Start the replacement process immediately — the course is same-day, but the police certificate and DLGSC approval set the timeline.
"I manage a restaurant. Restricted or unrestricted?" Unrestricted. The restricted card covers occasional, club and club restricted venues only — it does not cover restaurants. This is the single most common and most costly mistake in choosing between the two.
"I'm an approved manager under another state's equivalent scheme — does it transfer?" No. WA's approval is WA-specific and granted by DLGSC. You'll need the WA course and the WA application.
"I only work at my local club's functions." The restricted card may be enough. If there is any chance you'll pick up shifts at a pub, restaurant or bottle shop, choose unrestricted.
How to get the unrestricted card
Complete the Course in Management of Licensed Premises — MLPLCA001 Manage legislative responsibilities for the sale, supply and service of liquor. The RSA course is a prerequisite. AAAT delivers the WA Approved Manager course online for $149, with a same-day Statement of Attainment once your assessment is marked competent. You then apply to DLGSC with the required identification and police certificate.
Our step-by-step guide covers the full application: accessallareastraining.com.au/news/how-to-get-an-approved-manager-card-in-wa-in-2026
Course page: accessallareastraining.com.au/courses/western-australia/rsa-training/approved-manager-online
If you need the RSA prerequisite first: accessallareastraining.com.au/courses/western-australia/rsa-training/rsa-online
How this article is verified
The restricted and unrestricted card definitions, the training required for each, and the temporary approved manager arrangements are taken from DLGSC's mandatory training guidance for licensees, approved managers and employees, published on wa.gov.au. The presence requirement is section 100(2a) of the Liquor Control Act 1988 (WA), as cited by DLGSC. Unit codes are per training.gov.au. Card categories and application requirements can change — confirm current requirements with DLGSC before applying. If you spot an error, contact us via accessallareastraining.com.au and we'll correct it promptly.
Sources
- Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) — Mandatory training for licensees, approved managers and employees, wa.gov.au
- Liquor Control Act 1988 (WA), section 100(2a), legislation.wa.gov.au
- Australian Government — training.gov.au: MLPLCA001, SITHFAB021
About the AAAT Compliance Team — Access All Areas Training (RTO 52312) has delivered nationally accredited online hospitality compliance training since 2010, with more than 200,000 students trained and a 4.7-star rating from over 1,900 Google reviews. Our compliance guides are written against primary regulator sources and updated when the rules change.
This article is general information, current at publication, and is not legal advice. Liquor licensing in Western Australia is administered by DLGSC; verify your obligations with them. AAAT is a provider of the training discussed — an interest we disclose.