Key information for new liquor licensees

Getting started

Liquor portal

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

Licensees will need to register a Liquor Portal account to receive their annual renewal notice and liquor licence via email. 

Registration is complete in just three easy steps. 

To register an account, you will need your liquor licence number and individual PIN. This can be found on your last renewal notice or by emailing contact@vcglr.vic.gov.au.

Step 1: Create an account.  

Step 2: Associate your licence or permit using your licence number and individual four-digit PIN. 

Step 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). 

Signing up to the VCGLR Liquor Portal has other advantages including: 

• print a copy of your liquor licence at any time
• download your annual renewal notice at any time
• download your venue's red line plan
• apply to add, replace or remove Nominees or Directors associated with a licence/ permit
• apply to transfer a liquor licence/permit.
• apply for a Restaurant and Cafe liquor licence
• check the status of an application.

Signage

Make sure you've got the right signage printed and clearly displayed and read the Required signage for licensed premises fact sheet (PDF, 1.52 MB).

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)
• RSA Principles poster (PDF, 188.31 KB)
• Required signage for licensed premises fact sheet (PDF, 1.52 MB)
• Compliance and venue inspections
• Liquor fines and fees
• Licensee Q&A (PDF, 200.5 KB)

Safe functions

• Safe function guidelines fact sheet (PDF, 468.63 KB)

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 (DOCX, 20.23 KB)

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.

Obligations and common questions

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

• Liquor signage
• What is a liquor forum?
• Liquor licences
• 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, 102.74 KB)