Liquor licences

Temporary limited licence

• What to do first

  The VCGLR has introduced a streamlined approach for temporary limited licences to help existing licensees temporarily use outdoor areas as outlined in the COVID-19 roadmap to reopening.

  Existing licensees will first need written permission from Council to use the public external or outdoor areas that are not currently authorised under their liquor licence permit.

  If you already have Council permission to use the outdoor area, and you later apply for a temporary limited licence, this may be granted and a licence issued to you that allows the supply of liquor in the outdoor area.

  As of 1 January 2021, there will be a fee of $114.60 to apply for a new outdoor area temp licence.

  If you would like to temporarily supply liquor in an outdoor area that falls outside the red-line plan of your existing permanent licence, and the land is privately owned, please contact VCGLR to discuss your options.

• Eligibility to apply

  You must hold one of the following permanent licence types to be eligible for a temporary limited licence:

  • club licence (full or restricted)
  • on-premises licence including late night (general)
  • restaurant and cafe licence
  • producer's licence
  • renewable limited licence that allows on-premises consumption.

  General or late night licences

  If you hold a general or late night (general) liquor licence, you may not need to apply for a temporary limited licence. Subject to you complying with Council's local laws and planning requirements, you can already supply liquor in outdoor areas being footpaths or kerbside areas under your existing licence.

  However, if you have a specific condition on your licence restricting the supply of liquor for consumption off the premises, or want to supply liquor in an outdoor area other than in a footpath or kerbside area, you will need to apply for a temporary limited licence.

  More information on licenced premises including plans can be found in things to consider before applying.

  BYO permits

  If you hold a BYO permit, please visit Outdoor Areas - BYO permittees at Coronavirus information for licensees.

• Requirements and time frames

  To apply for a temporary limited licence, you will need to provide the following documents from Council along with your application:

  • written permission from City of Port Phillip allowing you to use the outdoor area such as a permit, licence or letter issued by the local council
  • a plan that clearly describes the boundary of the outdoor area endorsed by your local council, which can be part of the written permission
  • specified trading hours for the outdoor area from Council, which may be part of the written permission.

  In providing these documents, the VCGLR will endeavour to process your application within three business days.

  If your application is missing any of these documents, this will cause a delay. You will be contacted and asked to submit the missing documents.

  In certain circumstances the VCGLR may need to seek further information which may also cause delays.

• Limitations

  If an temporary limited licence is issued, you must adhere to the following limitations:

  • food must be available for purchase at all times when liquor is being supplied
  • the consumption of liquor may only occur when patrons are seated
  • the licensee must make available a copy of Council's written permission to use the outdoor area for inspection by a VCGLR inspector or Victoria Police. For example, a permit, licence or letter issued by Council including any plan of the outdoor area and the boundary
  • trading hours are the lesser of the hours permitted under:
    • any Victorian Government directions and restrictions in relation to COVID-19
    • Council's written permission to use the outdoor area
    • your permanent licence.
  • maximum patron numbers are the lesser of those permitted under:
    • any Victorian Government directions and restrictions
    • local council’s written permission to use the outdoor area, if patron numbers are specified.
  • the licence will expire once the Council permission expires.

  Nothing in the licence overrides:

  • any Victorian Government directions and restrictions in relation to COVID-19
  • trading hours or maximum capacities as determined by local council.

• Apply for a licence

  Visit the VCGLR website to make an application for a temporary limited licence.

  Detailed instructions to guide you in lodging an online application can be found on apply for a temporary limited licence.

  When applying for a licence, follow these steps to help ensure your application is accepted:

  • set your first event date as the first day you wish to supply liquor
  • confirm you will be using public land, and have permission to use that land
  • ensure you include your permanent licence number
  • when prompted to choose an event type, select 'Temporary extension of permanent licence'
  • select 'No' for extension of hours
  • select 'No' for event at your premises
  • select 'yes' for extension of your licensed area
  • if you do have an event, include the first day you wish to trade and trading hours as they appear on the lesser of your Council permit or your permanent liquor licence
  • in the additional information box, please advise that this application is for outdoor dining as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak
  • attach your required permit or permission from Council, and your Council endorsed plan and trading hours.