Tag Archive for: Hospitality Business Permits

A planning consultants guide to Liquor Licences & Licenced Premises

Do you have a vision for opening a business in Victoria that involves selling or supplying alcoholic beverages?? It’s a great opportunity to create a vibrant community space where people can relax, socialise, and enjoy great food and drinks. However, establishing a successful business that serves alcohol requires careful navigation of planning regulations and requirements, permits, and business licences. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand what’s involved in getting your establishment up and running in Victoria.

Lets’ start with the basics, what types of businesses require a Liquor Licence in Victoria?

A liquor licence is necessary for a range of businesses, including but not limited to:

  • Restaurants and Cafes: If you plan to serve alcohol alongside meals, a liquor licence is essential.
  • Bars and Pubs: Establishments that primarily serve alcoholic beverages to patrons must be licenced.
  • Nightclubs: Nightclubs offering alcohol for on-site consumption require licences.
  • Hotels and Motels: Businesses providing accommodation and serving alcohol on their premises need liquor licences.
  • Bottle Shops and Liquor Stores: Retail stores selling packaged alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption must be licenced.
  • Events and Catering Services: Catering businesses serving alcohol at events need licences.
  • Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries: Producers and manufacturers of alcoholic beverages often require specific licences for tasting rooms and sales.
  • Sports Clubs and Associations: Clubs serving alcohol to members and guests need liquor licences.
  • Community Clubs: Social and community clubs offering alcohol services require licences.
  • Entertainment Venues: Theaters, concert halls, and similar entertainment venues serving alcohol need licences.

Step 1: Zoning and Planning Permits for licenced businesses

The first step in establishing a business that involves serving and consumption of alcohol is ensuring that your chosen location is appropriately zoned for such a business. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Zoning Requirements: In Victoria, zoning regulations determine where specific types of businesses can operate. Generally speaking, Commercial and Mixed-Use zones are favourable. However, if you’re considering a location in a different zone, such as a residential area, you may face additional restrictions and will likely need a planning permit.
  • Planning Permit: If your proposed location does not exempt your business from planning approval, you’ll need to apply for a planning permit. This application involves submitting detailed plans and information about how your business will operate, including but not limited to hours of operation, noise management, maximum patron capacity, signage and traffic considerations. When the sale and consumption of alcohol is part of your business, the application will also be assessed against Clause 52.27 – Licenced Premises of the Planning Scheme, which will include the need for a Cumulative Impact Assessment and a red line plan. Councils will assess how your business will impact the surrounding area, especially if it’s near residential zones.
  • Public Notification and Objections: Your planning permit application may need to be advertised to the public, giving nearby residents the opportunity to raise objections. Common concerns include noise, traffic, and late-night activity. If objections are raised, the Council may require additional conditions or modifications to your proposal.

Step 2: Liquor Licencing

One of the most critical aspects of opening a  business that will serve alcohol is obtaining the appropriate liquor licence:

  • Liquor License Types: In Victoria, liquor licenses are issued by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR). The type of license you need depends on the nature of your establishment:
    • Temporary limited licence
    • Major event liquor licence
    • Restaurant and cafe licence
    • Sporting or community club licence
    • Remote seller’s licence
    • Producers liquor licence
    • On-premises liquor licence
    • Live music liquor licence
    • Packaged liquor licence
    • General liquor licence
    • BYO liquor permit
    • Pre-retail liquor licence
    • Renewable limited licence
  • Licence Conditions: Liquor licences come with specific conditions that you must adhere to, including responsible service of alcohol (RSA) requirements, security measures, and limits on patron numbers. Compliance with these conditions is essential to maintaining your licence.
  • Licence Application Process: Applying for a liquor licence involves providing detailed information about your business, including floor plans, security arrangements, and strategies for managing intoxicated patrons. The application process can be lengthy, so it’s advisable to start early and seek appropriate professional advice..

Step 3: Business Licences and Permits for your business

In addition to zoning and liquor licencing, there are several other business licences and permits you’ll need:

  • Food Business Registration: If your establishment serves food, you must register as a food business with your local Council. This registration ensures that your kitchen and food handling practices comply with Victorian food safety standards.
  • Building Permit: If you plan to make structural changes to your premises, such as installing a commercial kitchen or altering the layout, you’ll need a building permit. This ensures that your building meets safety and accessibility standards.
  • Signage Permit: For exterior signs advertising your establishment, you may need a signage planning permit from your local Council. This permit ensures that your signage complies with relevant policy within the Planning Scheme regarding such aspects as size, illumination, and placement.
  • Outdoor Dining Permit: If you plan to offer outdoor seating, such as tables on a footpath or in a courtyard, you’ll need an outdoor dining permit. This permit regulates the use of public spaces to ensure pedestrian safety and accessibility.
  • Music and Entertainment License: If your establishment will feature live music, DJs, or any form of entertainment, you’ll need a licence from APRA AMCOS, which manages the rights to publicly perform music.
  • Trade Waste Agreement: If significant trade waste will be generated, including food waste and used cooking oil, you’ll need a trade waste agreement with your local water authority to manage and dispose of this waste properly.

How a Town Planning Consultant can help fast track the process

Opening a business that serves alcohol in Victoria involves navigating a complex web of regulations and permits. As a town planning consultancy, AS Planning can assist you in every step of the process — from selecting the right location and securing planning permits to applying for liquor licences, as well as business permits. Our goal is to help you open your establishment smoothly, minimising delays and ensuring that your business is set up for success.

Contact AS Planning today for expert advice and assistance with planning permits, liquor licences, and business permits. Let’s work together to turn your vision into a reality with a successful and compliant establishment!

Planning Permits, Licenses and Approvals for Takeaway Food Outlets and Franchises

Opening a takeaway food outlet or franchise in Victoria, whether it’s a well-known fast-food chain, a local independent takeaway, or a long-term food truck, requires careful planning and compliance with various regulations. To ensure your business runs smoothly and legally, you’ll need to navigate the processes for obtaining planning permits, business licences, and other necessary approvals. Here’s a guide on what’s required for different types of takeaway food businesses.

What are the different types of Takeaway Food Outlets?

Before diving into the specific permits and licences required, it’s important to understand the different categories of takeaway food businesses:

  • Fast Food Chains and Franchises: These are national or international brands offering quick-service meals, such as burgers, pizza, fried chicken, and more. These outlets typically offer both takeaway and dine-in options.
  • Independent Takeaways: Local businesses that provide a variety of quick meals, ranging from fish and chips to kebabs, sushi, and other fast-casual food options. These businesses are often standalone operations or small chains.
  • Long-term Food Trucks: Mobile units that are intended to stay on a premises long term, such as a kebab van at a petrol station. This in not to be confused with mobile food trucks which stay at a location short term, such as events, markets or specific locations with high foot traffic.

Each of these business types has unique considerations when it comes to planning permits, licences and approvals.

Step 1: Zoning and Planning Permits for takeaway food outlets and franchises

The first step in establishing a takeaway food outlet or franchise is ensuring your chosen location complies with local zoning regulations:

  • Zoning Requirements: In Victoria, zoning provisions dictate where specific types of businesses can operate. Fast food chains and independent takeaways are generally permitted in Commercial and Mixed-Use zones. However, if you’re considering a location in a different zone, such as a residential area, you may face additional restrictions and will likely need a planning permit.
  • Planning Permit: If your chosen location isn’t automatically zoned for a takeaway food business, you’ll need to apply for a planning permit. This process involves submitting detailed plans and information about how your business will operate, including its impact on traffic, parking, and local amenities. The Council will assess how your business will affect the surrounding area, particularly if it’s near residential zones.
  • Special Considerations for Food Trucks: Food trucks often have additional considerations, such as where they can park and operate. You may need a specific permit or approval from the local Council to operate in public spaces, markets, or events. Some Councils have designated areas or specific requirements for mobile food vendors. It is best to speak with your local Council in the first instance and if they advise a planning permit will be required, AS Planning is here to help.

Step 2: Business licences and permits for takeaway food outlets and franchises

In addition to planning permits, there are several other licences and permits you’ll need to operate a takeaway food outlet or franchise:

  • Food Business Registration: All food businesses in Victoria must register with their local Council. This registration ensures that your business complies with food safety standards and is subject to regular health inspections. Whether you’re running a fast-food franchise, an independent takeaway, or a food truck, this registration is mandatory.
  • Building Permit: If you’re making structural changes to a building, such as installing a commercial kitchen or altering the layout for a takeaway outlet, you’ll need a building permit. This ensures that the building meets safety and accessibility standards.
  • Signage Permit: For any exterior signage advertising your takeaway food outlet, you may need a signage planning permit from your local Council. This permit ensures that your signage complies with local regulations and policies within the Planning Scheme regarding size, illumination, and placement.
  • Mobile Food Vehicle Permit (for Food Trucks): If you operate a food truck, you’ll need a Mobile Food Vehicle Permit. This permit allows you to legally operate your food truck in designated areas and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations specific to mobile food businesses.
  • Trade Waste Agreement: Takeaway food outlets generate trade waste, including food scraps, used cooking oil, and packaging materials. You’ll need to enter into a trade waste agreement with your  local water authority to manage and dispose of this waste properly.
  • Outdoor Dining Permit: If your takeaway outlet or franchise plans to offer outdoor seating, such as tables on a footpath or in a courtyard, you’ll need an outdoor dining permit. This permit regulates the use of public spaces to ensure pedestrian safety and accessibility.

Step 3: Specific considerations for Franchises

For those opening a fast-food chain or franchise, there are additional considerations:

  • Bulk Licencing: Some franchises may have bulk licencing agreements for certain permits, such as liquor licences or food business registrations, which can streamline the process. However, you’ll still need to ensure that all local requirements are met.

How a Town Planning Consultant can help

Opening a takeaway food outlet, franchise, or long-term food truck in Victoria involves navigating regulations, permits, and licenses. As a town planning consultancy, AS Planning can assist you in every step of the process – from securing planning permits to business licences. Our expertise ensures that your business is set up for success, allowing you to focus on delivering great food to your customers.

Contact AS Planning today for expert advice and assistance with planning permits, business permits and licences.

A checklist of essential permits and approvals for opening a new or franchised Restaurant or Café

Essential Permits & Approvals for opening a new or franchised Restaurant, Cafe or other hospitality business - Picture of the interior of a restaurant with tables and seats, and plates and cutlery laid out on tables.

Are you planning to open a Restaurant or Cafe in Melbourne or Victoria? Congratulations on your exciting venture! 

To help you get started, we’ve put together a checklist of essential permits and approvals you’ll likely need before you can start serving customers. Keep in mind that specific requirements may vary based on your location and the nature of your hospitality business.

**The below content is not planning advice**

8 permits and approvals that may be be required when opening a new Restaurant or Cafe in Melbourne or Victoria:

1. Planning Permit

You should begin by contacting your local Council or a Town Planning consultant to see whether you need to obtain a planning permit. If a planning permit is required from your local Council, you will need to receive this prior to operating. Possible permit triggers for a restaurant or cafe (commonly referred to as a ‘food and drink premises’) include:

  • Use and/or development of land based on the zoning and any overlays that cover the property.
  • Car parking reduction if you can’t provide all of your required car spaces on site.
  • Business identification signage and other types of signage.
  • Serving of liquor and the need for a red line plan.

Depending on the proposal and permit triggers, technical reports may be required such as traffic reports, acoustic reports, waste management plans, etc.

2. Building Permit

If your plans involve structural changes or renovations, securing a Building Permit is crucial. This permit ensures that your restaurant meets construction and safety standards. This is done through a private Building Surveyor, however some local Council’s still offer the service too.

3. Food Act Registration

To operate a food business, including franchise restaurants, you must register with the local Council. Compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations is a must. 

4. Liquor License

If your restaurant intends to serve alcohol, obtaining a liquor license is necessary. The type of license required may vary based on the extent of your alcohol service.

5. Outdoor Dining Permit

If you plan to offer outdoor seating for your restaurant, you’ll need to secure an outdoor dining permit. These permits often have specific requirements that vary by council, focusing on safety and compliance.

6. Occupancy Permit

Before opening for business, ensure that your restaurant or cafe complies with Building Regulations for public safety. An occupancy permit may be required.

7. Music License

If your franchise restaurant will play music, you may need to obtain the necessary music license. The type of licensing depends on the music’s nature and your establishment’s size.

Both your local Council and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Victoria can provide advice on music and noise requirements.

8. Health and Safety Compliance

Your restaurant will need to adhere to health and safety regulations, including fire safety and accessibility, as well as maintain workplace safety standards.

WorkSafe Victoria can provide advice on health and safety protocols within the workplace.

Whether you’re opening an independent restaurant or you have licensed a new franchise location, this checklist is a helpful starting point. 

A Planning Consultant can help you prepare a permit application for your restaurant.

Navigating the permit and approval process can be complex, and it’s crucial to ensure that your business complies with all relevant regulations. 

We strongly recommend seeking support from a qualified Planning Consultant like AS Planning who can provide expert guidance, help you with the application process, and ensure a smooth opening for your restaurant, franchise or cafe. Their expertise can save you time and ensure a successful launch. Contact us today

Remember, early engagement with your local Council is key to a successful start. Each step in this checklist brings you one step closer to realising your dream of running a restaurant. Best of luck with your new business venture!