Apply for a temporary limited licence

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Temporary limited licences are usually sought by persons or organisations holding one-off events, such as a ball or presentation night or a one-off event requiring an extension of trading hours or the size of the licensed premises.

Read the Liquor licensing fact sheet - Temporary limited licence for more information about when a temporary limited licence is required.

We recommend event organisers contact the VCGLR whilst planning an event and before you apply for a new licence. Event organisers and managers can coordinate with a Licensing Officer who will provide direction on application requirements, content and approval timelines. The Licensing team can be contacted via completing the contact us form.

Note: If your event is held outdoors, you'll need to provide a plan of the site with the proposed licensed area outlined in red, with your application. For more information download the Plans for Temporary Limited Licence Fact Sheet (PDF, 122.26 KB).

Applicants are advised to lodge liquor licence applications at least eight weeks in advance. The time taken to process an application will vary depending on a range of factors including the complexity of the application and any objections which may be raised.

Find out how to apply below.

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Trading hours

You should specify the hours you want to operate in your application form.

Note that if you're seeking to trade past 1am, we require a minimum of 50 days to process the application. You may be required to display a public notice at the venue for 28 days. Victoria Police and the local council may review your application.

If you're seeking to trade past 1am in the municipalities of City of Yarra, City of Port Phillip, City of Melbourne (including Docklands), or City of Stonnington, you're also required to satisfy the VCGLR that:

your event is one of a significant cultural festival, a major tourist event, New Year's Eve, a major live music event, or a major charity event
the relevant local council supports your application
there is a venue management plan in place, see Management plan fact sheet (PDF, 140.82 KB).

For more information, see late night freeze.

Applying on behalf of a school?

If you would like to apply for a temporary limited licence to run an event at a school, such as a school fete or other fundraising activity, make sure you check you are eligible before applying. A school should apply under the entity that will be responsible for the purchasing, supply and control of the liquor rather than under the name of the school itself.

For example, “ABC Primary school” cannot be issued a liquor licence. However, “the mums and dads of ABC Primary School Club Inc” which is an incorporated association or an organisation set up to raise funds for the school would be eligible to hold a licence.

Other restrictions and entitlements

The following restrictions apply to the issuing of temporary limited licences:

a person or organisation may apply for temporary licences to cover a maximum of six one-off events at a venue over a 12-month period
a maximum of three events will be accepted per application
where an application is made for a series of events over a limited season, the season must extend for no longer than three months
an applicant must have the right to occupy the premises during the event or season nominated
a winery or boutique brewer (PDF, 204.65 KB) may apply for a temporary limited licence to attend and sell wine at up to 12 farmer's or craft markets in any one year under the one licence.

A temporary limited licence can't be granted for events held at a premises used primarily by people under the age of 18 years. For example, indoor play centres.

Do you need a major event licence?

A major event licence applies to events that are likely to have a significant impact, such as those:

where you expect a large crowd (over 5000 patrons) to attend
requiring significant regulatory enforcement effort or oversight
having a significant impact on the provision and organisation of public transport or emergency services
having a significant impact on public safety and/or the amenity of the area in which the event is to be held.

For more information see Apply for a major event licence (Event with more than 5000).

Mandatory water requirements

Licensed venues that supply alcohol for consumption onsite are required to provide free drinking water to their patrons. It will be left to the discretion of the licensee how water is supplied.

Failure to supply free drinking water will attract substantial fines. For more information, see Free water for patrons.

How to apply for a temporary limited licence

Online

If you have a credit card, you may apply via the temporary limited licence online form.

Applications can be made from mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, as well as traditional computers, anytime. All information transmitted via the portal is encrypted and secure.

Applications for a limited licence should still be lodged at least eight weeks before the event, as lodging an application doesn't automatically mean it will be approved. Certain applications need to be reviewed by Victoria Police and local councils, which have their own time frames.

If you would like a copy of any of these documents in a more accessible format, please submit an enquiry via the contact us form.

Renewable limited licence

Renewable limited licences authorise the supply of liquor where the scale and scope of the supply is substantially restricted or limited.

Fees

For information about the application fees associated with temporary limited licences can be found in the Liquor licence fee fact sheet. (PDF, 276.24 KB)