Running a wine bar or licensed venue comes with unique risks, from liquor-related incidents to property damage, staff safety, theft, and public liability exposure. The right insurance protects your business, your customers, and your revenue.

At Morgan Insurance Brokers, we specialise in insurance solutions for hospitality venues, including wine bars, small bars, lounge bars, wine-tasting rooms, cocktail bars, and licensed restaurants across Australia.

Why Wine Bars Need Specialised Insurance

Wine bars face risks that aren’t adequately covered by standard business insurance. Because alcohol service increases the likelihood of injury, damage, and liability claims, insurers treat licensed venues differently.

Common risks include:

• Slip-and-fall injuries after alcohol consumption
• Damage to furniture, fit-out and stock
• Assault or intoxication-related incidents
• Fire hazards from kitchens or electrical equipment
• Theft of premium wines and POS equipment
• Staff injuries while carrying trays, glasses or bottles
• Business interruption from unforeseen events

A tailored policy ensures your venue is covered against the risks specific to hospitality and licensed premises.

What Does Wine Bar Insurance Typically Cover?

1. Public & Products Liability Insurance

Public Liability Insurance protects you if a customer, patron, supplier, or member of the public is injured or has property damaged while on your premises.

Typical scenarios:

• A customer trips on a wet floor
• Intoxicated patron injures another guest
• A faulty chair collapses, causing injury
• Someone alleges they were overserved alcohol

Most wine bars opt for $20M liability cover, though $10M may be sufficient for smaller venues.

2. Property & Contents Insurance

Covers damage to:

• Furniture, bar counters, stools, and décor
• Kitchen equipment
• Glassware and wine racks
• POS systems and electronics
• Cellar stock, including premium wines

Events covered may include fire, storm, vandalism, burst pipes, or accidental damage.

3. Theft & Stock Insurance

Wine bars often hold high-value stock (bottles, rare wines, spirits). This covers:

• Break-ins
• Theft by forced entry
• Employee-related theft (optional)

4. Business Interruption Cover

If an insured event forces your wine bar to close temporarily, this covers:

• Lost income
• Ongoing expenses (wages, rent, electricity)
• Temporary relocation costs

This can be the difference between reopening or closing permanently after a major incident.

5. Machinery Breakdown

Covers refrigeration units, wine fridges, cool rooms and bar equipment.
Ideal for venues storing expensive stock at controlled temperatures.

6. Management Liability (Optional)

Protects owners and directors from claims related to:

• Employment disputes
• Alleged unfair dismissal
• Mismanagement claims

7. Workers Compensation

Mandatory if you employ staff. We help ensure compliance with state-based requirements.

How Much Does Wine Bar Insurance Cost in Australia?

Premiums vary based on:

• Location
• Size of venue
• Annual turnover
• Whether you serve food
• Trading hours
• Security measures
• Claims history

Typical premium range:
$3,000 – $18,000 per year depending on coverage and venue type.

For example:

• Small wine bar with minimal food: $3,000–$6,000
• Medium venue with kitchen: $6,000–$12,000
• Larger or late-trading venues: $12,000+

To ensure accuracy, insurers always require a detailed profile of your operations.

What Isn’t Covered? (Common Exclusions)

Most policies will not cover:

• Intentionally serving intoxicated patrons
• Claims related to illegal activity
• Poor risk management procedures
• Wear and tear
• Loss of stock due to spoilage unless spoilage cover is added

A broker helps you understand what is and isn’t included so there are no surprises at claim time.

Why Choose a Specialist Broker for Wine Bar Insurance?

Working with a hospitality-focused insurance broker ensures:

• Access to insurers who specialise in licensed venues
• Lower premiums from correct risk classification
• Custom cover based on your exact operations
• Faster claims processing
• Accurate disclosure to avoid declined claims

Morgan Insurance Brokers works with wine bars nationwide, ensuring you are fully protected at competitive pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need public liability insurance to operate a wine bar?

Yes. It is essential and often required by your lease agreement and licensing authority.

Does insurance cover incidents involving intoxicated patrons?

Yes, provided your staff follow RSA training and responsible service obligations.

Can I insure my premium wine collection?

Absolutely. High-value stock can be specifically listed or insured under general contents.

Does insurance cover delivery drivers or suppliers on site?

Yes. Public liability covers injuries to third parties including suppliers, contractors, or visitors.

Get a Tailored Wine Bar Insurance Quote

Every wine bar is different, from the ambience and clientele to trading hours and licensing conditions. Morgan Insurance Brokers assess your operations to build a policy that protects your venue without overpaying for unnecessary extras.