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Who it's for
Selling a licensed venue in Victoria goes more smoothly when the licence and permit are in order before buyers look. A buyer's advisers will ask for them, and a gap found late can stall the sale or cut the price. This is for you if:
- You're planning to sell a café, restaurant, bar or pub
- The venue trades differently from what's on the licence or permit
- Your permit still carries old liquor conditions from before VC286
- A buyer has found a problem and the sale is on hold
Not you? Buying instead? See check a venue before you buy.
Buyers price in risk. Every unanswered question about the licence or permit becomes a reason to ask for a lower price or a longer settlement.
What buyers check when you're selling a licensed venue
Buyers check the liquor licence and conditions, the red line plan (the plan showing where liquor can be served), the planning permit and endorsed plans, any footpath permit, and any notices from council or Liquor Control Victoria (LCV).
The common problems are simple. The red line plan leaves out a courtyard used for years. The permit hours are shorter than the licence hours. The footpath tables have no permit. Each one gives a buyer a reason to ask for a lower price or a fix first.
Fixing gaps before you list
Most gaps can be fixed, but not overnight. A licence variation adds hours, patrons or area; LCV's guidance for some variations is 9 to 11 weeks, and it can take longer. A permit amendment goes through council and is assessed only on the change.
If your permit carries old liquor conditions, we can tell you whether they still bind the venue after VC286. Start early, so the fix is lodged before a buyer asks.
Speak with Jacob
Principal. Twelve years running venues and working inside local government.
The first conversation is free.
Book a 15-minute call(03) 7064 8477We reply within 24 hours.
How it works
Four steps, ideally started before you list.
- 15-minute call Tell us about the venue and your timing. We confirm what needs checking and fix the fee.
- Upload what you have Your licence, plans, permit and any notices go into your client portal, our online form.
- We check and fix We tell you what a buyer will find, and prepare and lodge any fixes. Nothing is lodged until you approve it.
- Buyer-ready pack and transfer A document pack for buyers and their advisers, then help with the licence transfer through to settlement.
The buyer must pass suitability checks. Keep the contract subject to the transfer; talk to your solicitor about the clause.
Fees and timing
Each part is a fixed fee, quoted before we start. LCV's and council's own fees are separate.
- Pre-sale check
- Fixed fee, quoted before we start
- Variations or permit amendments
- Fixed fee per application, quoted once we know what's needed
- Variation timing
- LCV guidance for some variations is 9–11 weeks; it can take longer
- When to start
- Before you list, if you can
What we need from you
The more we see early, the fewer surprises later.
- The current liquor licence and red line plan
- The planning permit, endorsed plans and any amendments
- Any footpath trading permit
- Any letters or notices from council, LCV, police or the EPA
- Your licensee and nominee details
- Your target listing or settlement date
Questions
What do buyers check when buying a licensed venue?
Buyers check the liquor licence and its conditions, the red line plan, the planning permit and endorsed plans, any footpath trading permit, and any compliance history. Their advisers will compare those documents with how the venue actually trades. If a courtyard, late hours or live music isn't approved, they'll treat it as a risk and negotiate on price or timing. Having the answers ready before they ask helps keep the sale moving.
What happens to my liquor licence when I sell?
The licence is transferred to the buyer through LCV. The buyer must pass suitability checks, including police checks of directors and associates, and Victoria Police can object to a buyer's suitability. The transfer can be timed to settlement, and the contract should be made subject to it. The buyer can't sell liquor under the licence until the transfer is granted and they have the right to occupy the premises, so until then the licence stays with you.
Can problems with my permit hold up the sale?
Yes. If a buyer's adviser finds the venue trades beyond its permit or licence, the buyer may ask for a fix before settlement, a lower price or more time. Some fixes, such as a licence variation or a permit amendment, take weeks or months. Checking before you list means you can fix what's needed, or at least explain it, before it becomes a negotiating point.
Who pays for the licence transfer?
It's whatever the contract says, so talk to your solicitor about it. LCV charges an application fee to transfer a licence. LCV's fees are set by LCV and change every 1 July. As the seller, you can help by having your documents ready, so the transfer can be lodged early and lined up with settlement. Our fees are fixed and quoted before we start.