If your premises is closed
You will receive a closure notice containing important information, including:
- the start and end dates of the closure
- any conditions that apply to the closure.
The closure notice will be clearly displayed at or near the entrance to the premises. This lets customers, suppliers and members of the public know that the premises has been legally ordered to close.
Significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment, may apply for breaching a closure notice or order.
If you hold a tobacco licence
Licensed premises can be closed in the same way as unlicensed premises.
A closure does not automatically cancel your tobacco licence. We may take separate regulatory action to suspend or cancel your licence.
Find out more about tobacco licence compliance and enforcement.
During the closure
- You cannot sell any products – the closure is not just limited to tobacco products
- You cannot enter or remain at a closed premises while the closure is in effect unless you have an exemption or another lawful reason to enter
- We will publish information about your premises being closed on our website
- It is an offence to remove, damage or interfere with the displayed closure notice
Accessing a closed premises
You cannot enter or remain at a closed premises while the closure is in effect.
In limited circumstances, Tobacco Licensing Victoria (TLV) or Victoria Police may grant an exemption allowing a person or group to enter or remain at the premises.
If you are a landlord of a closed premises, read our information for landlords and property owners.
Applying for an exemption
Exemption requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. The timeframe will depend on the circumstances of the request.
To request an exemption to access a closed premises, email contacttobacco@justice.vic.gov.au and include:
- your closure notice or order reference number
- why you need to enter the premises
- who needs access
- when access is required.
You must apply before you need access.
Applying for an exemption does not give you permission to enter the closed premises. Do not enter a closed premises unless you are legally allowed to do so.
After the closure
Once the period listed on the closure notice or order ends:
- the restrictions no longer apply and you may resume trading
- the displayed closure notice or order can be removed
- other legal or regulatory restrictions may still apply.
You cannot sell tobacco without a valid tobacco licence.
Review and cancellation of a closure
You cannot appeal a short-term closure issued by TLV or Victoria Police.
TLV or Victoria Police will monitor premises and can cancel a closure if they believe it is no longer required.
Different rights apply to long-term closure orders made by the Magistrates’ Court. An owner or occupier may be able to apply to the Court in relation to the order.
For more information, visit the Magistrates’ Court website.
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