Transfer a Liquor Licence in Victoria (Without the Headaches)

Taking over a licensed business in Victoria? You’ll need to transfer the liquor licence to your name before you can legally trade. At On Tap Liquor Consulting, we manage the full process, ensuring your documentation is accurate, your timing is right, and your obligations to Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) are fully met. No stress, no missed steps, just a seamless transition so you can focus on getting up and running.

What Is a Liquor Licence Transfer?

When a licensed venue changes hands, whether through a sale, new lease, or change in company structure, the liquor licence doesn’t automatically transfer. You must apply to LCV to formally transfer the licence to the new owner or entity.

The new operator must not supply liquor until the transfer is granted and they have a legal right to occupy the premises. This usually includes:

• Settlement of a lease or purchase contract
• RSA and training requirements being met
• LCV being notified within 24 hours of the new occupancy date

Operating without a valid transfer is a breach of the Liquor Control Reform Act and can lead to enforcement action.

How On Tap Manages the Entire Process

Our end-to-end service takes care of everything so your transition is legal, efficient, and worry-free.

Step 1 – Eligibility Assessment & Strategy

We assess the licence type, changes in use or layout, and determine what’s needed for a successful transfer. If a red-line plan or updated planning confirmation is required, we’ll flag that early.

Step 2 – Gathering the Essentials

We collate all necessary documentation:

• Right-to-occupy proof (signed lease, contract of sale, etc.)
• Business details and structure
• Stakeholder info (directors, partners, licensee nominees)
• Training records (RSA and New Entrant)
• Police checks, declarations, and associate disclosures (if applicable)
• Patron Capacity Calculation (if required)

Step 3 – Red Line Plan Review (If Required) and Patron Capacity Calculation

If you’ve changed the layout, use areas differently, or relocated the business, a new red-line plan may be required to reflect the updated licensed area.

Internal Link: [Learn more about our Red Line Plan drafting service]

If your licence does not currently have a patron capacity noted on it, you may also be required to lodge a Maximum Patron Capacity Calculation with the transfer application.

Internal Link: [Learn more about our Maximum Patron Capacity Calculation service]

Step 4 – Lodgement & Ongoing Support

We lodge your transfer application via the online LCV portal and track its progress. If LCV requests further details, we respond promptly on your behalf and guide you right through to approval.

Step 5 – Post-Transfer Compliance

We advise when it’s legally safe to start trading and provide guidance on any post-transfer conditions (e.g. display of new licence copy, updated signage).

Why Trust On Tap for Your Licence Transfer?

• Specialist Expertise – We work exclusively in liquor licensing, with deep knowledge of LCV’s requirements and systems.
  • No Guesswork – We explain your obligations clearly and manage the details so you don’t have to.
  • Fixed-Fee Clarity – Know exactly what it’ll cost—no hidden extras, no hourly surprises.
  • Personal Support – No generic toolkits or “do-it-yourself” portals. Just experienced consultants working directly with you.

Common Scenarios We Manage

• Buying a restaurant, bar, pub, or bottle shop
  • Taking over a leased premises with an existing licence
  • Transferring a licence between related entities or directors
  • Managing licence changes during business restructuring or sale
  • Resolving red-line or planning compliance issues discovered mid-sale

Ready to Transfer?

Contact On Tap today for a fixed-fee quote tailored to your venue and transfer circumstances. Whether you’re taking over a suburban café or a CBD cocktail bar, we’ll get your licence transferred—quickly, legally, and stress-free.