As of 1 July 2025, planning permits are no longer required for licensed premises for sale or consumption of liquor. This follows the removal of Clause 52.27 (Licensed Premises) from the Victoria Planning Provisions under Amendment VC286.

This reform is a major win for small and local hospitality businesses. It eliminates the duplication of requiring both a liquor licence and a planning permit, which previously cost business owners significant time and money. It was an outdated process, and this long-awaited change will make it easier to set up and operate licensed venues in Victoria.

While a liquor licence from Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) is still required, a planning permit specifically for the sale or consumption of liquor is no longer needed. LCV may still request confirmation that the proposed use is allowed under the local planning scheme, so it’s important to check zoning and overlay controls that may apply.

We recently helped a client looking to open a boutique bar in a commercial zone in Box Hill. Our planning review confirmed that no planning approval was needed, and the client was able to bypass the planning approval process and proceed straight to obtaining their liquor licence and building permit. They saved potentially months and thousands of dollars.

Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy. These reforms are a game changer by cutting red tape, reducing costs, and speeding up approvals for hardworking business owners.

Where an existing planning permit for a licensed premises is in place, the local council remains the responsible authority for enforcing permit conditions, including those relating to amenity.  Please note that a planning permit may be required for other uses, such as operating a bar, restaurant, or venue with outdoor seating, depending on the zoning and overlays that apply to the site.

If you have questions or need advice about your site or proposal, feel free to get in touch with us.

To learn more about these changes, visit:

planning.vic.gov.au/guides-and-resources/guides/all-guides/licensed-premises