We assess all applications for new licences or permits, and any changes to existing ones, under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998.
By law, we must consider:
alcohol-related harm as a result of granting the licence
whether the applicant is suitable to hold a liquor licence
amenity impacts (for example, violent or disorderly behaviour, drunkenness or excessive noise).
We consider these factors for every application, whether or not anyone objects.
Object to a new licence
You can object to a liquor licence or permit application if you can show that all of these apply if the licence was granted:
It would negatively affect the amenity of the local area.
You would be personally affected.
For packaged liquor licence applications, it would increase the risk of alcohol-related harm.
Amenity refers to the pleasant and agreeable qualities of an area. Impacts on amenity may include nuisance, vandalism, unacceptable customer behaviour and excessive noise.
Object to a licence change
You can object to an application to change an existing licence or permit.
You can only object in response to the change. For example, you cannot object to loud music if the application is to increase customer numbers.
Licensees may apply to change:
licence type
trading hours
maximum customer capacity
the address of the venue (relocations)
other licence details.
Before you object
Complete these steps before you object.
When objecting to a liquor licence application you must tell us:
your reasons (the legal word is grounds) for objecting
how you will be personally affected if the application is granted
any examples or experiences you have with the venue or location that support your reasons for objecting.
Packaged liquor licence applications
If the application is for a packaged liquor licence, in addition to objecting for reasons of amenity you can also object on the grounds that the licence grant will increase alcohol-related harm.
You must provide specific information that supports your belief and tell us how you will be personally affected.
Objections we refuse
We will refuse your objection if it is based on any of these reasons:
The business applying for a licence would not be successful.
Another business in the area would be negatively affected if this business is allowed to supply alcohol.
There is no need or demand for this business in the area.
There are too many other liquor licences in the area already.
Other licensed venues or locations in the area already cause problems.
There are too many cars, not enough parking or poor traffic management in the area.
As part of the licence application process, we require applicants to:
display a public notice (A3-size poster) at the address where they will supply alcohol
display the notice for 28 days from the date it first goes up
give detail in the notice that explains what they have applied to do at the venue or location.
You can object to a liquor licence application within 30 days of the start date written on the public notice.
why you are objecting to the application (your reasons or 'grounds' for objecting)
how you will be personally affected if the licence is granted
any information that supports your objection, such as examples and timelines.
Be as specific as possible.
We will refuse your objection if you simply say that opening a licensed venue in the local area will negatively impact its amenity.
Example reasons
For example, if an existing venue wants to change its conditions to open later, you might tell us how:
the venue's trading hours have already affected your sleep, including examples of when this occurred (you could provide a diary with specific examples)
customers' unruly behaviour when entering or leaving the venue has made you feel.
post to Liquor Control Victoria, GPO Box 4356, Melbourne VIC 3001.
If you email or post, we need your full name, home address, details of your objection and application number (you can find this on the public display notice).
the liquor licence application number (on the public notice)
your full name
a statement that you do not want to continue with your objection.
We email to let you know our decision on the application, including reasons.
If you’re not satisfied with the decision, you may be able to apply for a review.
You can only request a review of a decision if:
we accepted your objections
the decision was made by a Liquor Control Victoria delegate (staff member) or a single Victorian Liquor Commission commissioner (not a commissioner panel decision).
How to apply
You must apply within 28 days of when either:
we advised you of the decision
you received the statement of reasons.
Email your completed internal review application form and any supporting documents to secretariat@liquor.vic.gov.au.
