Things to consider before applying - packaged liquor licence

The Decision-Making Guidelines for packaged liquor for granting packaged liquor licences, including those that operate outside ordinary trading hours. It considers the grant of packaged liquor licences within the objective of harm minimisation.

It states that packaged liquor licences with trading hours that are greater than ordinary trading hours should only be granted by the Commission in exceptional circumstances, and that hours should not extend past midnight.

It's a condition of packaged liquor licences that the use of the licensed premises does not breach the planning scheme under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Applicants are required to provide a copy of the following information with their application:

• A planning permit; or
• A copy of an application for a planning permit; or
• Evidence that a planning permit is not required to supply liquor as allowed for by the licence type you are applying for. This evidence may be a letter from the local council (or responsible planning authority) or a copy of the relevant planning scheme.

This ensures that the activities undertaken are consistent and appropriate for that area. For example, a licensee cannot operate a night club in an area where night club activity is not permitted under the local planning zone restrictions.

Contact your Local Government Authority for information about obtaining a planning permit.

Any person who, at any time, has management or control of the licensed premises must have completed a Responsible Serving of Alcohol (RSA) refresher course in the previous financial year.

Licensees must produce evidence that the training has been completed if requested by Victoria Police or VGCCC Inspectors. It is recommended that a copy of the RSA training certificate be kept on the premises as proof of completion.

• The VGCCC must be satisfied that the predominant activity to be conducted on the licensed premises is the retail supply of liquor for consumption off the licensed premises.
• Free tastings may be held on the licensed premises during trading hours.
• Applications for a packaged liquor licence received must include a planning permit or written permission from the relevant local council.
• When applying for, or to vary a packaged liquor licence, an applicant must ensure that a notice of the application appears within the "Public Notices" or "Law Notices" sections of an acceptable newspaper. For details regarding what is an acceptable notice, see the Guidelines for advertising packaged liquor licence applications.

For information about the application fee for a packaged liquor licence, see Application fees.