Things to consider before applying - Temporary limited or major event licence

Temporary limited licences

There are temporary licence categories available for persons, businesses, clubs or other organisations holding:

one-off events
a series of one-off events
sporting events (seasonal)
large-scale or major events.

Temporary limited licence categories

Category 1- One-off Events

A one-off event is considered as one licence to cover events such as:

A Wedding, Birthday Party, Fundraising Night, Music, Food or Liquor event.
A permanent licensee seeking to extend the trading hours, per day of extension.
A permanent licensee seeking to extend the area of a licensed venue, per day of extension .
Each day at a Farmers or Craft market.

Category 2 – A series of one-off events

A series of events that are held within a 3-month period and show a common theme/connection.

A summer outdoor movie season
A theatre group production running over several weeks
Internet supply or wine drives that are licensed for a set duration.

Category 3- Sports events (seasonal)

A series of sporting events that are licensed for the period of the sporting season*.

A point of sale that is required for match days
A point of sale that is required for finals series

*These may extend past the 3 months for one event.

Please read the Temporary limited licence fact sheet (PDF, 424.35 KB) before beginning your application. A temporary limited licence is generally not required for private events where liquor will be supplied free of charge. A licence will always be required if the supply of liquor is contingent on the sale or purchase of goods.

Applicants are advised to lodge temporary limited licence applications at least six weeks in advance. Individuals or organisations may apply for temporary licences to cover a maximum of six events over a calendar year per venue and/or applicant. A maximum of three events will be accepted per application. The time taken to process an application will vary depending on a range of factors including the complexity of the application and any objections which may be raised.

Apply for a temporary limited licence.

Major event licences

If your event may be attended by 5000 or more people, you need to complete an Application for a major event licence.

Event organisers should allow a minimum of three months for the VGCCC to review and process a major event licence application. Timeframes specific to the event can be discussed with the Licensing Officer managing the process.

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Requirements and restrictions

Individuals or organisations may apply for temporary licences to cover a maximum of six events over a calendar year per venue and/or applicant.
Where an application is made for a series of events over a limited season, the season must not extend longer than three months.
Applicants must have the right to occupy the premises during the event or season nominated.
Applications for a limited licence should be lodged at least six weeks in advance.
Lodging an application does not automatically mean that it will be approved.
You may be required to display a public notice at the venue for 28 days, and Victoria Police and the local council may review your application.
You will be required to satisfy the VGCCC requirement to meet certain conditions if you seek to trade past 1am in the following municipalities: City of Yarra, City of Port Phillip, City of Melbourne or Stonnington. For further information see Late night freeze.

Responsible service of Alcohol (RSA)

All persons involved in the supply or service of liquor must have completed a RSA course approved by the Commission. You may be required to produce evidence of completion of RSA.

Plans for a temporary licence

As part of your application you may need to upload a plan of your site with the proposed area to be licensed outlined in red. For more information download the Plans for temporary limited licences fact sheet.