Key information for new liquor licensees

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

• General
• On‑Premises
• Packaged Liquor
• Late Night

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:

• print a copy of your liquor licence at any time 
• download your renewal notice at any time 
• download your venue’s red line plan
• apply to add, replace or remove the Nominee associated with your liquor licence or permit
• apply to add, replace or remove the Director(s) associated with your liquor licence or permit
• apply to transfer a liquor licence or BYO permit
• apply for a Restaurant and Café liquor licence
• check the status of an application.

Start using the Liquor Portal in three easy steps:

1. Log in to an existing account or create a new account.
2. Associate your licence or permit using your licence number and individual four-digit PIN.*
3. Click eLicence and add the email you want your renewal notice and liquor licence sent to (this can differ from the email address used to create your Liquor Portal account).
    

*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.

Key dates

Key dates for licensees

You can stay informed and up to date on your obligations by:

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

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