From 1 July 2025, Victoria’s planning rules have changed meaning a planning permit is no longer required for the sale and consumption of liquor.
Amendment VC286 was gazetted on 1 July 2025 and deleted Clause 52.27 (Licensed Premises) in totality from the Victorian Planning Provisions. This change was a commitment of the Economic Growth Statement, Victoria: Open for Business December 2024 and intends to assist licensed premises to obtain permission to commence business sooner.
Please note that there is no change to Liquor Control Victoria’s (LCV) role or what they consider as part of assessing a liquor application because of this recent planning change.
Accordingly, a licence from LCV to sell or serve liquor is still required. As part of this process, it is understood that evidence must be provided by the applicant to LCV to demonstrate that their license application does not contravene the planning scheme. For more information, please visit the LCV website.
Other planning requirements to consider
Irrespective of this recent planning reform, a planning permit may still be required for the use or development of the land for other matters (such as use of the land for a bar or restaurant or reduction in car parking requirements) depending on the planning controls affecting the land.
If you have a planning enquiry and wish to know if a planning permit is required, please visit our Before you apply for a planning permit page.
Kerbside or footpath trading rules
This recent planning reform does not change any obligations associated with Kingston’s Community Local Law permit requirements for consumption of liquor in public places and/or general footpath trading (including street furniture).
To obtain the necessary permit approvals under Kingston’s Community Local Law, please visit our Outdoor dining page.
What does this change mean for existing liquor license planning permits
Existing planning permits for licensed premises (including any conditions on the permit), if acted upon, may still have force and effect. Council is responsible for the enforcement of any planning permits and local laws affecting licensed premises.
If your planning permit contains multiple permissions (e.g. a permit was required for the use of the land for a bar or restaurant as well as to serve alcohol), then you will need to ensure ongoing compliance is achieved with the conditions of this permit.
Should you wish to amend a planning permit because of this recent reform, we encourage you to visit Change my planning permit.