Understand your liquor licence

Your liquor licence contains important details about how you can operate.

Make sure you read and understand all your licence conditions. The conditions may be unique to you and your situation.

Items numbered on the sample licence are explained under what your licence details mean.

What your licence details mean

The numbers on the sample licence are explained in more detail here:

1. Licence year

This is the year your licence is valid (the current year). Your licence must be renewed by 31 December each year. Read about renewing your licence.

2. Licence number

This is your unique licence number. Quote this number if you contact us.

3. Licensee (or permittee)

This is who holds the licence or permit and is responsible for the supply of alcohol. They can be a company, partnership, individual or incorporated association.

4. Address of service for notices

This is your postal address if we need to send something to you by post.

It's important to keep both your postal and email address current. You can update it yourself in the Liquor Portal. Get instructions on how to make changes to your licence.

5. Licensed premises address

This is the address of the licensed venue or location where you can supply alcohol.

6. Trading as

This is the name your business trades under (the name your customers know you by).

If you have a new trading name, email us at contact@liquor.vic.gov.au with your licence number and new business name.

We'll update your licence and let you know when it's ready. Download your updated liquor licence from the Liquor Portal.

7. Additional person endorsed on licence (if this applies)

Some licences may have a person endorsed on their licence in addition to the licensee, such as a nominee.

You are not required to have a nominee. If you have one they are usually your venue manager. They are responsible for running the licensed venue, in addition to the licensee, and are legally responsible for any offences that occur there.

We must approve a nominee. Find out how to add or change a nominee.

8. General information

This section is a reminder that your licence conditions do not override any council requirements.

9. Type of licence

This states the licence type and a high level summary of what you can do with it. For more details on what your licence type allows, read the information on different licence types.

10. Amenity

You must operate in a way that does not negatively impact the amenity of the local area. Amenity can be described as the quiet enjoyment of living in an area.

Amenity includes both internal and external areas of your venue. It also includes surrounding areas such as local streets.

Examples of negative impact include excessive noise, drunkenness, vandalism, indecent language, offensive behaviour, littering and obstructing footpaths.

11. Maximum capacities (if this applies)

Only some licences have this. If you do, it means the maximum number of customers (patrons) you can have at your venue.

12. Special conditions

As well as your standard licence conditions, you may also have special conditions that are unique to your venue. For example, how you must manage outdoor areas, music or CCTV.

Read this section carefully. It is an offence if you do not comply.

13. Trading hours

This shows the days and hours when you can supply alcohol. Customers have 30 minutes to finish their drinks after your trading hours end. You cannot supply alcohol during this time.

14. Approvals/consents (if this applies)

This section includes any additional approvals. For example, the use of footpath areas, approval to cater private events or to sublet part of your licensed venue or location.

You need to apply for these approvals. Read about making changes to your licence.