Apply for a New Liquor Licence in Victoria (Expert Guidance from On Tap)

Securing a liquor licence in Victoria involves navigating a complex and detailed process, from selecting the correct licence type, to preparing maps and forms, to managing public notification and compliance. At On Tap Liquor Consulting, we’re here to guide you through every step, providing clarity, expertise, and peace of mind so you can focus on building your business, not wrestling with regulation.

Why Choose On Tap for Your Liquor Licence Application?

With years of hands-on experience in regulatory roles, our team understands exactly what Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) looks for in a successful application. We specialise in making sure your paperwork is organized, complete, and compelling, reducing the risk of delays or rejections. Think of us as your expert partner, speaking the language of government and compliance so that you don’t have to.

Which Licence Do You Need?

Choosing the right licence depends on how you intend to supply alcohol. Here’s a guide to the key categories:

• Restaurant or Café Licence – For venues serving meals with limited packaged liquor options, including take-away and delivery.
• OnPremises Licence – For venues like wine bars or nightclubs that supply alcohol for consumption on-site.
• General Licence – For pubs, taverns, and venues that combine dine-in and takeaway offerings.
• Packaged Liquor Licence – Required for bottle shops and supermarkets that sell sealed liquor for off-site consumption.
• Producer’s Licence – Ideal for wineries, breweries, or distilleries that want to sell onsite and deliver direct to consumers.
• Renewable Limited Licence – A low-volume licence for small producers, pop-ups, or direct online sellers.
• PreRetail Licence – For wholesalers or suppliers who sell liquor to licensed businesses (not to public consumers).
• BYO Permit – For venues that allow patrons to bring their own liquor (no sales involved).
• Club Licence – For registered sporting or social clubs supplying liquor to members and guests.
  (Link to Club Licensing & Compliance service)
• Remote Seller’s Packaged Liquor Licence – For businesses selling alcohol via phone or internet for delivery. Covers the fulfilment premises used for picking and packing orders.
  Includes warehouse red-line mapping, planning compliance, an alcohol management plan, and adherence to specific delivery windows.
• Temporary / Major Event Licence – For festivals, expos, or limited-time events where alcohol is supplied temporarily.

Not sure which suits your business? Talk to our specialists—On Tap will help you choose the right licence and manage the application process from start to approval.

What’s Involved (And How We Simplify It)

RedLine Plans & Trading Zones

LCV requires a detailed, to-scale plan that clearly outlines the exact area where liquor will be supplied, consumed, or stored. This is known as the “red-line plan” and forms a critical part of your application. Whether it’s a restaurant dining area, warehouse dispatch zone, or function room, the red-line plan defines your liquor boundary.

We handle the drafting and formatting of your red-line plan in full compliance with LCV standards, ensuring it’s accurate, clear, and ready for submission.

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

Planning Compliance Without Permits (PostJuly 2025)

From 1 July 2025, liquor licence applications no longer automatically require a planning permit. However, this doesn’t mean planning is off the table. Even if your liquor licence is exempt, you may still need a planning permit for other aspects of your venue such as:

• Land use approval (e.g. changing a shop to a bar or function space)
• Signage consent
• Waivers or reductions in car parking requirements
• Building and works (including renovations, fit-outs, or alfresco setups)

LCV will still require evidence that your proposal complies with local planning rules. This can be in the form of:

• A planning permit (if required), or
• A letter from Council, or
• A completed LCV planning template

We’ll help you determine exactly what’s required and liaise with Council where needed to make sure your application doesn’t get held up.

Internal Link: [Learn more about our town planning services]

Training & Suitability Declarations

Applicants must demonstrate preparedness through RSA and New Entrant Training, as well as personal suitability declarations (e.g. personal history questionnaires, nominee approvals). We coordinate all training and documentation to ensure full compliance.
Internal Link: [Learn more about our Industry Training]

Supporting Documents & Application Submission

We assemble everything, from your right-to-occupy statements to director details, corporate structure, tenancy documents, and trading hours, for lodgement via the Service Victoria portal or as directed.

Public Notice & Objections — What to Expect

LCV requires a visible public notice (typically A3) displayed at your premises for a set period. We’ll prepare and guide you through that requirement—and help you address any community feedback that may arise.

How We Make It Easier for You

• We provide one fixed quote upfront, based on venue type and complexity so there are no surprises.
• Our team manages the timeline from Submission → Lodged → Approved, with proactive tracking and communication.
• If issues arise (e.g., council feedback, objections), we handle them swiftly and professionally.
• You’re presented with a clean, compliant licence decision without pushing Multiple Forms, PDFs, or bureaucratic hurdles.

Ready to Get Licensed?

Whether you’re opening a café, brewery, pub, or planning a function, let On Tap take the licensing burden off your shoulders. Contact us today for a quick consult and a straightforward quote to manage your application all the way through to approval.