This licence allows the supply of liquor for consumption on premises and the sale of packaged liquor with a take-away or home delivery meal.
Restaurants, cafes and businesses, where the main activity carried out at all times is to prepare and serve meals (for consumption on the premises), are generally the type of businesses that apply for this licence.
Apply for your licence
To apply for a restaurant or cafe licence, applicants can use the online liquor portal.
The online form contains instructions on how to submit your application.
We suggest you lodge your liquor licence applications at least 9–11 weeks in advance. The time taken to process your application will vary depending on a range of factors including the complexity of the application and any objections which may be raised.
Information needed in your application
As you prepare your application you need to gather the following information:
- local council planning permission
- confirmation of trading hours
- compliance with required training
- red line plan
- patron capacity declaration
- declaration of right to occupy premises.
Local council planning permission
Before starting your business activities, you should contact your relevant local council about their planning requirements. Your local council will be able to guide you in what they need and the suitability of your business for the local area and location.
Applications for a new liquor licence do not require a planning permit for the sale and consumption of liquor. But you may still need planning approval for other reasons.
In your liquor licence application to us, you need to provide one of the following:
- written confirmation from your local council as to whether you require a planning permit for the use and development of the land. This may be either a planning permit (if you have one) or letter
- LCV branded planning document
If you do not submit one of these documents, it may cause delays in your application.
Trading hours
Authorised trading hours for a restaurant and cafe licence are:
- 7 am to 1 am the following morning Monday to Saturday (excluding ANZAC Day and Good Friday)
- 10 am to 1 am the following morning Sunday
- 12 noon to 1 am on ANZAC Day and Good Friday.
Extended trading hours
It is possible to trade after 1 am. You need to apply for an extension to your trading hours. The late night liquor trading page has more information.
Training
Applicants for a restaurant and cafe licence must complete:
Right to use the premises
For a licence to be issued, you need to show you have the right to operate out of your intended business location.
This is called a right to occupy the premises and it can be demonstrated by:
- your lease agreement
- proof that you own the property
- another legal arrangement.
You must include your declaration of the right to occupy your premises as a part of your application.
Red line plan
Your red line plan defines the area where alcohol can be supplied. This plan needs to be included in your application. The red line plan page has information on how to create and change your plan.
Maximum patron capacity
You must tell us the maximum number of patrons you want to have in your venue.
You are required to provide one of the below supporting documents with your application:
- a planning permit (if you have one) that has a patron capacity as a condition on it.
- a red line plan with the total square meters listed for the proposed licensed premises included.
The square meters will support your proposed patron capacity based on our standard limit of 1 person per 0.75 square metres.
See our Advice for completing a liquor licence application for more information.
Application fees
There are costs associated with applying for your liquor licence. Please see the Fees and charges page for information.
When you have your licence
If your application is successful you are then obliged to abide by the terms of your liquor licence.
Information on how to be compliant is on Licensee obligations section.
You can also change, transfer or give up your licence.
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