Under the Economic Growth Statement, the Victoria State Government will be removing Clause 52.27 Licensed Premises from all Planning Schemes as of 1 July 2025. This section applied to premises that were licensed or to be licensed under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998. The purpose of this section was to ensure that licensed premises are situated in appropriate locations and the impact of the licensed premises on the amenity of the surrounding area is considered.
Currently, businesses need to apply both for a liquor licence from the Victorian Liquor Commission and a planning permit from their local council. As of 1 July 2025, businesses that want to serve liquor will only be required to apply to the Victorian Liquor Commission.
Removing this section from all planning schemes will eliminating the requirement for a business to apply for a planning permit to sell or consume liquor.
Planning applications will continue to be submitted for zoning and planning requirements to maintain amenity checks through the assessment of provisions relating to types of businesses to be located in an area, operating hours, signage, parking and other relevant provisions the relate to amenity in the surrounding area.
The state government has also indicated that a planning permit will not be required for outdoor dining on public land. The application process for outdoor dining is a responsibility of local Councils. At this point, there is no specific information available on when and how this will be implemented.