Liquor License Plans: Expert Guidance for Your Application

A red line plan (RLP) is essential for liquor licensing in Victoria and depends on your liquor licence type, as well as the type of permit you seek. ALLC can provide a quote for a detailed plan of your premises; however, our staff will first discuss with you whether you actually require a plan.

Below, you will find information regarding red line plans. You can also reach out to us by clicking HERE right now to receive the professional support you deserve from experienced liquor license consultants, all at affordable prices.

What is a red line plan?

A red line plan is a map of your venue or location that includes a red line outlining the areas where:

- you will sell, serve, or supply alcohol

- your customers will consume alcohol

- any other areas they may access with a drink, such as bathrooms.

This designated space is referred to as your licensed area.

Liquor Control Victoria must approve your red line plan when applying for a licence or permit, or if you need to change your existing red line plan. Note that pre-retail licences do not require a red line plan.

Why you need it

Your red line plan is necessary to:

- fulfill the legal requirements of your liquor licence applications in Victoria

- upload during your licence application or when requesting changes to your red line plan

- maintain at your venue or location at all times

- present to liquor inspectors or Victoria Police if requested.

As the holder of the licence or permit, you are accountable for all activities within your licensed area.

General requirements

You can create your red line plan manually or using a computer. The red line plan must:

- be a minimum of A4 size

- be neat and easy to read (no wobbly lines)

- outline the licensed area with a continuous red line – if drawing by hand, use pen or ink (not pencil or highlighter)

- include a compass arrow pointing north

- specify the address and nearby street names (or an arrow to the closest street if none are nearby)

- label key areas, such as bars or registers (point of sale), dining areas, kitchens, toilets, and dance floors

- include the measurements of your licensed venue or location

- provide the total floor space of your licensed area in square metres

- describe how you will mark the boundaries of your licensed area (for example, walls, barriers, ropes).

Satellite images are not acceptable for creating your plan, as they do not reveal the internal layout of your venue or location.

Red line plans are public documents, so ensure that personal information is omitted.

Licence-specific requirements

Make sure to obtain details about any additional information required, as this varies based on your liquor licence applications in Victoria or the type of permit you seek. If you need assistance, our liquor licensing consultation services are here to help.