Free water for patrons

The responsibility is on the licensee to ensure adequate facilities are provided. Substantial fines may apply for non-compliance.

Exemptions

Licensees may apply to the VCGLR for an exemption to their mandatory requirement to provide free water.

The VCGLR has discretion over which applications are approved, and determines each application on its own merits. However, under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, the VCGLR must consider:

• the risk of harm arising from the misuse and abuse of liquor supplied under the licence, and
• the extent of the burden imposed on the licensee by the requirement to supply free drinking water.

For example, an exemption may be granted where the licensee doesn’t have access to mains water and the lack of free drinking water won’t lead to alcohol-related harm.

If you wish to apply for an exemption, you can download the application form Exemption from the requirement to provide free drinking water at licensed premises (PDF, 124.48 KB).

Signage

A poster is available for licensees to download that advises patrons that the venue provides free water. Download the Free water available poster (PDF, 522.57 KB) to display in your venue. If you would like a copy for digital displays, download the high resolution version (PDF, 522.57 KB).

See the optional signage for licensed premises on the Print my liquor signage page for more information.