IMPORTANT NOTICE: Stage 2 and 3 restrictions are currently still in place. For more information, see:COVID-19 information for licensees
We're here to help and work with you to understand the rules and regulations involved with the sale and supply of alcohol under your licence.
Once your application is approved, the first thing you should receive is your licence, red line plan, and welcome letter from the VCGLR.
To receive your licence and red line plan via email or to access these anytime online, you will need to register to the Liquor Portal
If you’ve got any questions about these documents, please get in touch with us as soon as possible as they are required for you to legally serve alcohol on your premises.
Having a liquor licence is a big responsibility and comes with serious legal obligations.
The way you run your business has a direct impact on the safety of your customers and the community outside your doorstep. You have an obligation to ensure that alcohol is promoted and sold in a way that encourages responsible drinking.
Take the time to read - and ensure you understand - the conditions on your licence, and check your knowledge with the Licensee Q&A (PDF, 200.5 KB)
If you’re unclear about your obligations, or if you have any questions about your licence, get in touch with us on 1300 182 457 or email contact@vcglr.vic.gov.au
To help you understand your obligations, download the obligations brochure relevant to your licence type:
A minor is a person under 18 years of age.
Regardless of the type of licence you have, it’s illegal for minors to drink on licensed premises.
It’s also illegal to supply alcohol to someone if you suspect they’ll be providing the alcohol to a minor.
Minors cannot be on your licensed premises unless there is a condition allowing them to on your licence. For example, at a junior sports club.
For more information on minors and licensed premises, see: Under 18 patrons on licensed premises
If you have any of the following licence types, your staff must undertake RSA training
If you don’t have one of these licences then your staff may not need to complete the training unless your liquor licence states that they do, but you will still need to apply the RSA principles when serving alcohol.
The easiest way to manage your liquor licence is through the VCGLR Liquor Portal
Benefits of a Liquor Portal account include the ability to:
Start using the Liquor Portal in three easy steps:
*You can access the individual licence PIN on your annual liquor licence renewal notice or by emailing contact@vcglr.vic.gov.au
A VCGLR inspector can show up at your venue at any time without notice. Be sure you are ready for an inspection at any time with our handy checklists and ‘be inspection ready’ videos.
For more information or to view the videos, see: Be inspection ready
For information on what to expect during an inspection, see: Planned inspections of licensed premises
If you’re hosting a function like a wedding, birthday, awards night, or debutante ball at your licensed venue, our safe function guidelines will ensure you meet your legal obligations. They also offer recommended best practice about Responsible Service of Alcohol, minors, and security for these functions.
We have developed a sample function house policy that you can adapt to your specific requirements. You can also add other best practice measures to help you and your staff deliver a successful and safe function.
Throughout the year there are key dates where you will usually see an increase in customers drinking alcohol, or additional restrictions and obligations might apply.
These dates are a good time to review the conditions on your licence to ensure you continue to meet your obligations as a licensee.
You can download a printable version of the key dates below to put up at your premises as a reminder.
|
Month |
Dates and links |
|---|---|
|
January |
26 January - Australia Day See also: Public holiday restrictions |
|
February
|
|
|
March
|
12 March - Labour Day (Moomba Festival) See also: Public holiday restrictions 17 March - St Patrick's Day |
|
April
|
30 March - 1 April – Easter 25 April - Anzac Day See also: Public holiday restrictions |
|
June |
11 June - Queen's Birthday See also: Public holiday restrictions |
|
July
|
1 July fees rise - Liquor fees and fines |
|
August |
Apply now for special event licence - Major Event licence |
|
September
|
30 September - Grand Final See also: Public holiday restrictions |
|
October
|
21 October - Spring Racing Carnival begins |
|
November
|
6 November - Melbourne Cup See also: Public holiday restrictions Schoolies: |
|
December
|
25 December - Christmas 31 December - New Year's Eve See also: Public holiday restrictions |
You can stay informed and up to date on your obligations by:
You can also find resources and information on a range of liquor licensing topics on our Liquor fact sheets page
If you need more information or support, get in touch with us:
Email: contact@vcglr.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 182 457
