Choose the Right Victorian Liquor Licence
Victoria has several liquor licence and permit types. The appropriate option depends on how, where and when the business will supply alcohol.
Consider the business’s main activity, whether customers will drink on the premises, whether meals are the primary focus, whether alcohol will be sold with takeaway or delivered meals, and the proposed trading hours.
Restaurant and Café Licence
A restaurant and café licence may apply when serving meals is the business’s main activity and alcohol will be supplied for consumption on the premises. It can also permit limited packaged alcohol to be sold with takeaway or home-delivered meals, subject to the licence conditions.
On-Premises Licence
An on-premises licence may suit a bar, nightclub or another venue that supplies alcohol for consumption on-site without requiring meals. This licence does not permit takeaway alcohol sales from the venue.
Once you have identified the appropriate licence, follow the application instructions for that licence type and confirm the supporting documents required for the business and venue.
Information and Documents Needed to Apply
The exact requirements vary by licence type. Applications for permanent venue-based licences commonly require the following information and evidence:
Council, Planning and Training Requirements
- Council and planning requirements: contact the relevant local council to check whether planning approval is required for the proposed use and trading arrangements. These requirements are separate from, but may affect, the liquor licence application.
- Trading hours: state the proposed hours for supplying alcohol and check whether restrictions apply to the licence type.
- Required training: provide evidence that the applicant and relevant staff have completed the mandatory liquor training for the licence.
Venue Plans, Capacity and Occupancy Evidence
- Red-line plan: provide a plan of the proposed licensed area showing in red where alcohol will be supplied, served or consumed.
- Patron capacity: provide evidence of the venue’s maximum capacity where this is required, such as a planning permit or occupancy permit.
- Right to occupy the premises: declare and, if requested, provide evidence that the applicant has the right to use the premises, such as a lease, property title or another legal document.
Liquor Licence Application Fees
Application fees are generally non-refundable and vary according to the licence or permit type and, in some cases, the venue’s patron capacity. Check the current Victorian liquor licence fees before applying.
How Long Does Approval Take?
Processing times depend on the licence type, the complexity and completeness of the application, and whether objections or requests for further information arise. Liquor Control Victoria currently recommends allowing at least 11 weeks for many permanent licence applications. Check the current timeframe for the particular licence and apply well before the planned opening or event date.
How W Legal Group Can Help
Need help understanding a liquor licence application or the premises documents it requires? Contact W Legal Group at hello@wlegalgroup.com.au or (03) 9590 6180. If the business plans also involve buying or leasing premises, explore our property conveyancing Victoria services or speak with our conveyancing lawyers in Melbourne.
