Liquor Licence Approvals

Important Changes from 1 July 2025

Planning permits for liquor sale or consumption are no longer required under Victorian planning schemes. This change removes the previous requirement under Clause 52.27.

You must still obtain a liquor licence from Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) to legally sell or serve alcohol. You can find out about liquor licence applications at LCV’s website: Liquor Control Victoria | vic.gov.au

Application Process

Apply for your liquor licence through Liquor Control Victoria | vic.gov.au

Provide evidence of compliance with the planning scheme to LCV. This can include:

  • A current planning permit (if one exists)
  • A formal letter from Council confirming compliance
  • The official LCV evidence document

 

When Planning Permits Still Apply

Although a permit for liquor sale/consumption is no longer required, other planning permits may still be necessary, such as:

  • Outdoor dining areas
  • Signage
  • Building works or changes to use
  • Variation to car parking requirements

Please contact the Statutory Planning team on (03) 5950 1010 to confirm if additional approvals are needed.

What if I want to serve liquor to tables on the footpath?

You will need to obtain consent (in the form of a Footpath Licence) from Mornington Peninsula Shire to occupy the land.

The footpath licence is a legal agreement between the Shire and the business operator and will incur an annual 'rental' fee.

For more information on applying for permission to use the footpath for outdoor dining with liquor, refer to our Commercial Activities on Footpaths page.

Council's Role

Council will be notified of all new liquor licence applications and may provide advice or object during LCV’s assessment process.

We remain responsible for assessing other planning matters that relate to your premises.

 

Viewing or Commenting on Applications

Members of the public can still view liquor licence applications and make objections directly through Liquor Control Victoria (LCV). LCV provides an online register where you can search current applications. Information regarding the objection process can also be found on LCV's website

 

Further information

Victoria’s planning rules and liquor licensing changes: https://www.vic.gov.au

Liquor Control Victoria – Apply for a licence: https://liquor.vic.gov.au

Business Victoria – Liquor licensing and planning permits: https://business.vic.gov.au

 

 

 

 

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