Liquor licences

• Permit holders may choose whether they wish to continue relying on their existing planning permit. Their existing permit can be provided as evidence for the liquor licence application if they are proposing no changes.
• If you no longer wish to rely on an already approved planning permit from Council (e.g. when amending liquor licence conditions to change hours or patron numbers), you need to cancel the permit through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).  
• However, this option is only available if you have a planning permit that was issued solely for liquor and no other permissions (i.e.. if your permit references approval for ‘sale and consumption of liquor, and buildings and works/change of use’ you must amend your permit through Council). To find out if a planning permit has been issued you can use our online planning register for all permits issued from April 2021 onwards. For permit prior to April 2021, please contact the Planning Department on 9205 5373 or on by email on [email protected]. A file retrieval fee may also apply.

You are encouraged to seek your own, independent advice prior to going to VCAT as fees may apply.

• If you wish to amend liquor licence conditions but still rely on other aspects of a planning permit (e.g. use of the land for a restaurant, buildings and works), you must apply to amend the permit via Section 72 planning amendment to delete the liquor-related conditions. Fees apply.
• To find out your planning permit number you can use our online planning register for all permits issued from April 2021 onwards, otherwise please contact us on the details at the bottom of this page.

The sale of a business does not affect planning requirements as a planning permit is associated with the land and not the owner/organisation. Where no change is made to the use of the land, the planning permit remains valid and the new business owner will need to comply with the planning permit.

Amenity matters will continue to be enforced by Victoria Police, Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Liquor Control Victoria and local councils, as relevant to their area of responsibility.

The Liquor Control and Reform Act 1998 lists a range of factors that may form evidence of detriment to the amenity of the area, including noise, litter and disorderly behaviour.

Where an existing planning permit for a licensed premises applies, Council is the responsible authority for the enforcement of conditions on that permit, including any that relate to amenity as well as any applicable local laws.