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Who it's for
A renewable limited licence is a Victorian liquor licence for businesses where liquor is a small or secondary part of what they do. Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) gives examples such as off-site caterers, motels with mini-bars, caravan parks and bed and breakfasts. Some small businesses don't need a licence at all: hairdressers offering a free drink with a service, and florists or gift businesses adding liquor to a gift, can be exempt if they meet LCV's rules. We check what fits before we prepare anything.
- A caterer, motel, caravan park or bed and breakfast offering liquor as an extra
- A salon, florist, gift or hamper business that wants to go beyond LCV's exemptions
- A tour or experience operator where a drink is part of the package
Not you? If liquor is central to your business, see the restaurant and café liquor licence. For a single event, see the event liquor licence.
Don't guess the licence type. If the licence doesn't match how you trade, you'll end up changing it later.
One-off launch or party? A single event usually needs a temporary limited licence, not a renewable one.
Is liquor really a small part of your business?
That's the question this licence turns on. If drinks become a reason people visit, or a real share of sales, another licence will usually fit better, such as a restaurant and café or on-premises licence. On the first call we look at what customers come to you for, how and when liquor is offered, and how that might change.
Free drinks are still liquor
A drink that's truly free may not need a licence. But if the customer pays for the drink indirectly, for example as part of a package or ticket, or it's tied to buying goods or services, a licence is usually needed unless an exemption applies.
When the business grows
If liquor becomes a bigger part of what you do, you can change the licence category through a licence variation rather than starting again. And since 1 July 2025 you don't need a planning permit just to serve liquor, though your use and any works may still need one depending on the zone. See what VC286 changed.
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How it works
A small licence still gets the same care.
- Fit check On a 15-minute call we test whether liquor really is a small part of your business. If another licence suits better, we say so, then fix the fee.
- Tell us about the business Our online form asks how and when you offer liquor and takes your uploads.
- We prepare, you approve We draft the application and draw the red line plan showing where liquor can be served. Nothing is lodged until you approve it.
- Lodgement and follow-through We lodge with LCV and answer its questions until a decision. ComplianceCare can then track your renewal and conditions.
Fees and timing
Fixed fee, agreed before we start. LCV's fees are separate.
- Our fee
- From $1,599 + GST, red line plan included
- LCV fees
- Set in fee units, updated every 1 July; annual renewal fee applies
- Lodgement
- Within 10 business days of receiving your documents
- Decision
- Varies with the application and any objections. LCV suggests lodging at least 9 to 11 weeks ahead
What we need from you
Most businesses already have this.
- Business name, ABN and entity details
- A short description of the business and where liquor fits in
- A floor plan or sketch showing where liquor will be served
- Days and hours you'd offer liquor
- New entrant training certificate
Questions
What is a renewable limited licence?
A renewable limited licence is a Victorian liquor licence for businesses where liquor is a small or secondary part of the business. LCV's examples include off-site caterers, motels with mini-bars, caravan parks and bed and breakfasts that offer liquor alongside their main service. LCV issues it, and it renews each year with an annual fee. If liquor becomes a bigger part of what you do, a variation can change the licence category.
Can a hair salon or florist serve alcohol?
Often, yes. A hairdresser offering a free drink with a service, or a florist adding liquor to a gift, may not need a licence at all if it meets LCV's exemption rules. If you want to go further, such as charging for drinks, a licence like a renewable limited licence may fit. It doesn't fit if the salon turns into a bar after hours. We check how you'll offer liquor first.
Can I give away free drinks without a licence?
Sometimes. A drink that's truly free may not need a licence, and some businesses, like hairdressers and florists, have their own exemptions. But if the drink is part of a package or ticket, or tied to buying goods or services, it usually needs a licence. The simple step is to ask before you start pouring. A 15-minute call will tell you whether you need a licence, and which one. If you do, we can prepare and lodge it for you.
How long does a limited licence take?
It depends on how complex the application is, whether anyone objects, and LCV's workload. LCV suggests lodging at least 9 to 11 weeks before you need the licence. We lodge within 10 business days of receiving your documents. Further information requests can add time, so we give you a range, not a date. If you have a launch date in mind, tell us on the first call so we can work back from it.