Liquor

If your event includes selling or serving alcohol, you must comply with the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 and relevant Council conditions.

You'll also need to obtain 2 separate approvals:

• An event permit issued by us that allows alcohol to be sold or served as part of your event. Apply for an event permit **********LINK***********
• A liquor licence (type 1 or 2) issued by Liquor Control Victoria. The vendors who will actually be selling or serving the alcohol should apply for this at least 8 weeks before the event (12 weeks for major events).

Liquor Management Plan

Include these elements in your Liquor Management Plan:

• Briefly describe your event and the audience to help determine the appropriate level of liquor management and risk assessment.
• Include a site plan that shows where alcohol will be sold or served, as well as designated entry points for alcohol consumption.
• All staff serving alcohol must hold a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate. Ensure staff are trained and briefed on responsible alcohol service practices.
• Clearly define the types of alcohol that will be sold or served, including alcohol strength, packaging (for example, no glass bottles), and any restrictions on alcohol (for example, no alcohol above a certain ABV).
• List the hours when alcohol will be served, along with the pricing structure. Alcohol should not be served past the designated closing time.
• Specify the roles of security personnel including crowd control, handling intoxicated patrons and managing exits.
• Implement a wristband system or ID checks at entry points to ensure that only patrons of legal drinking age are served alcohol. Clearly outline the process for checking IDs and issuing wristbands.
• Establish clear strategies for handling disruptive or intoxicated individuals, including de-escalation tactics and procedures for removing individuals if necessary.
• Develop a plan to ensure the safe departure of patrons, especially at closing time. Consider providing transport options such as taxis, ridesharing or shuttle buses.
• Define the maximum number of patrons allowed in alcohol-serving areas. Mark off areas where alcohol can be consumed using clear, visible fencing or boundaries (redline areas).

Signage

You must display clear signage near and in alcohol-related areas.

• Have signs visible at the entry, exit and throughout the area to show that alcohol is served and consumed here.
• Display Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) signs near alcohol-serving areas to remind patrons to drink responsibly.
• Place signs at entry points to alcohol-serving areas to inform patrons that ID checks will be performed and that only RSA-certified staff will serve alcohol.
• Clearly mark any alcohol-free zones so attendees know where alcohol consumption is not permitted.
• Display sign indicating the maximum capacity for alcohol-serving areas to help ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Near alcohol-serving areas, display the hours when alcohol will be served and when service will stop.
• Make sure emergency exit signage is clearly visible near alcohol-serving areas and complies with fire safety regulations.
• Put signs near bins for bottles and cans to encourage responsible disposal.
• It's recommended to use signs that are weatherproof and easy to read. If your event runs into the evening, ensure that the signage is well-lit.