Key information for new liquor licensees

Getting started

Signage

Make sure you've got the right signage printed and clearly displayed and read the Required signage for licensed premises fact sheet (PDF, 1.2MB).

News and up to date information

Keep informed by:

• Signing up for our newsletter
• Following us on Twitter @VCGLR
• Liking us on Facebook.

Key fact sheets and information

These are areas that all licensees should be aware of and carefully monitor as standard business practice. These include the following and further details can be found under 'related links':

• Intoxication
• Responsible advertising and promotion
• Free water for patrons
• Under-18s on premises
• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
• Required signage for licensed premises fact sheet (PDF, 1.2MB)
• Compliance and venue inspections
• Liquor fines and fees

Safe functions

• Safe function guidelines fact sheet (PDF, 515KB)

Safe function guidelines to support licensees holding functions such as weddings, birthdays, award nights, debutante balls etc. The guidelines set out licensees’ legal obligations as well as providing guidance on recommended best practice for functions on topics such as Responsible Service of Alcohol, minors, security and other areas and were developed in consultation with industry.

• Safe function sample house policy (DOC, 26KB)

Sample function house policy as a resource for licensees. This can be adapted to your specific requirements. Feel free to add further best practice measures to assist in the delivery of a successful and safe function.

Liquor portal

The Liquor Portal is an online licence management tool for liquor licensees.

Sign up to the Liquor Portal to:

• Update a liquor licence/ permit postal address.
• Apply to add, replace or remove Nominees or Directors associated with a licence/ permit
• Apply to transfer a liquor licence/permit.
• Download a copy of your active liquor, renewal notice, and/or red line plan at anytime

To start using the Liquor Portal follow these steps:

1. Log into an existing account or create a new account. 
2. Link you liquor licence to your account using your licence number and individual four digit PIN.*
3. Start using the portal to manage your licence or permit. 

*Licensees can access the individual licence PIN on their annual liquor licence renewal notice or by emailing contact@vcglr.vic.gov.au.

Obligations and common questions

The VCGLR has a range of videos to help understand your obligations and answer common questions:

• What do the VCGLR regulate?
• ​What does the VCGLR do if they find a breach?
• ​What are the common breaches?
• What are the rules around raffles?
• What do I have to do to run fundraising events?
• When might a licensee change their licence?
• Cafes and restaurants
• TAB venues and racecourses
• Late night licensed venues
• Gaming venues and the Melbourne Casino
• Bingo venues
• Bottle shops.

Key dates

Key dates for licensees (PDF, 100KB)