Liquor Licensing Update: Renewals

Reminder that liquor licensees must pay their annual licence renewal fee on or before 31 December 2019.

Renewals

The VCGLR is in the process of transitioning to an online only model where licensees will eventually renew and pay licence fees online via the Liquor Portal.

Once registered, licensees will receive their licence by email.

Presently, if you are not registered for the Liquor Portal, you will receive your licence in the ordinary way, usually by post and often delayed.

It is important that licensees are aware that section 101 of the Liquor Control Reform Act requires licensees “must cause a copy of the licence or BYO permit most recently issued to and received by the licensee or permittee to be displayed in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises in a manner that invites public attention”.

That means that even though your licence expires on 31 December 2019 you are required to display your 2019 licence until you receive your new licence for 2020 from the VCGLR whenever that may be. Failing to do so constitutes an offence.

Do not print your licence out from the VCGLR website as these licences are not acceptable for display under the Act.

Useful Resources

The VCGLR YouTube channel now contains videos covering what to expect for licensing inspections for different types of liquor licences. We encourage hospitality clients to make viewing these videos part of your compulsory induction training. The videos can be found at:

1. General and restaurant licences
2. Late night, adult entertainment and major event licenses
3. Packaged liquor
4. Signage