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Object to a liquor licence application

How to object to us granting a liquor licence or permit application.

On this page

You can object to us granting an application for:

There are rules around the types of objections we can accept.

If you are a local council, read about local council objections.

How we assess applications

We assess all applications for new licences or permits, and any changes to existing ones, under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998.

By law, we must consider:

We consider these factors for every application, whether or not anyone objects.

Object to a new licence

You can object to a liquor licence or permit application if you can show that all of these apply if the licence was granted:

Amenity refers to the pleasant and agreeable qualities of an area. Impacts on amenity may include nuisance, vandalism, unacceptable customer behaviour and excessive noise.

Object to a licence change

You can object to an application to change an existing licence or permit.

You can only object in response to the change. For example, you cannot object to loud music if the application is to increase customer numbers.

Licensees may apply to change:

Before you object

Complete these steps before you object.

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  1. 1Check we can consider your objection

When objecting to a liquor licence application you must tell us:

Packaged liquor licence applications

If the application is for a packaged liquor licence, in addition to objecting for reasons of amenity you can also object on the grounds that the licence grant will increase alcohol-related harm.

You must provide specific information that supports your belief and tell us how you will be personally affected.

Objections we refuse

We will refuse your objection if it is based on any of these reasons:

  1. 2Check you are within the time limit

As part of the licence application process, we require applicants to:

Search for current liquor licence applications and their display dates on Liquor licences and applications online.

  1. 3Gather your evidence

In your application, you must tell us:

We will refuse your objection if you simply say that opening a licensed venue in the local area will negatively impact its amenity.

Example reasons

For example, if an existing venue wants to change its conditions to open later, you might tell us how:

Object now

You can submit your objection in these ways:

If you email or post, we need your full name, home address, details of your objection and application number (you can find this on the public display notice).

Object now

After you object

What happens after you object, including how to appeal if you are not satisfied with the decision.

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We will email to let you know if we have accepted or refused your objection.

If we accept your objection, it means we will consider it along with other information we receive as part of the application.

We can refuse to accept your objection if:

All objections are treated as public documents.

We provide full details of the objection, including your name and address as the objector, to the liquor licence applicant.

The applicant then has the chance to address any concerns you have raised.

You can withdraw your objection at any time.

Email us at contact@liquor.vic.gov.au and include:

We email to let you know our decision on the application, including reasons.

If you’re not satisfied with the decision, you may be able to apply for a review.

You can only request a review of a decision if:

How to apply

You must apply within 28 days of when either:

Use this form:

Internal review application PDF 1.53 MB (opens in a new window)

Objection form

Your objection

Please note that objections to liquor licence applications are public documents. The full details of your objection will be provided to the applicant.

Details of the application

You must provide the application number and/or the address of the property where the application is being made.

Application number (available on the top right hand corner of the posted application notice)

Address of the property where the application is being made

Grounds for objection

The granting of the application would have an adverse impact on the amenity of the area

In the case of a packaged liquor licence, that the grant of the application would be conducive to, or encourage alcohol-related harm

How will you be affected by the granting of this liquor licence application?

Please provide any documents that support your objection

Send any supporting documents to contact@liquor.vic.gov.au with your full name and the application number or address.

Provide your details

We use these details to confirm that you will be personally affected and to inform you of the outcome of the application.

Your first name:(Required)

Your surname (family) name:(Required)

Your email address:(Required)

Your phone number:

Your business details (if applicable):

Your company name:

Your postcode:(Required)

Your suburb:(Required)

Your street address:

I acknowledge that the details provided above will be shared with the applicant. (Required)

Submit

Important email

Updated 16 December 2025

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