Planning approval now required for packaged liquor outlets

New packaged liquor bottle shops in Victoria will be required to apply for planning approval after a change to planning permit requirements approved today. 

Amendment VC79 changes the Victoria Planning Provisions and planning schemes by amending Clause 52.27 (Licensed premises) to:

• Require a planning permit to use land to sell packaged liquor for consumption elsewhere. This change implements the Government's policy on packaged liquor outlets.

• Clarify that a planning permit is required to extend an area where liquor is allowed to be consumed or supplied.

• Improve the readability of the Clause through some minor rewording.

Where a liquor licence for a packaged liquor outlet has been previously issued but the premises did not commence before 8 April 2011, a planning permit will be required under Clause 52.27 before the packaged liquor outlet can lawfully operate.

A liquor licence application for a packaged liquor outlet currently being considered by the Director of Liquor Licensing will also need a planning permit under Clause 52.27 before the packaged liquor outlet can lawfully operate.

A responsible authority has to consider the cumulative impact of licensed premises when assessing an application for a licensed premises under Clause 52.27.  Practice Note 61: Licensed premises: Assessing cumulative impact has been prepared to support a responsible authority when assessing the cumulative impact of packaged liquor outlets (for example, bottleshops), nightclubs,  restricted places of assembly, food and drink premises (for example, restaurants, taverns, hotels), restricted recreation facilities and certain other premises that may be licensed to sell or consume liquor.

• Read Practice Note 61: Licensed premises: Assessing cumulative impact (PDF - 312 KB)
• Read the media release