Starting or Growing a Business

If you answer YES to any of the following questions, you will likely need a planning permit:

• Are you changing the business type from its current form?
• Are you undertaking new buildings or works?
• Are you applying for or altering a liquor licence?
• Are you adding or changing signage?
• Will your business generate the need for more car parking?

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Learn more and get started:

• Download and read the Planning Permit Application Guide before applying.
• Request written advice, by submitting a Planning Advice Request Form.

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Learn more from the Applying for or Amending a Planning Permit page.

If you answer YES to any of the following questions, you will likely need to register your business:

• Do you intend to sell food or drink on the premises of your business?
• Do you intend to sell health-related services (e.g. hairdressing, beauty treatments, tattooing or skin piercing) on your premises?

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Learn more and get started:

• Learn more from the Food Premises and Safety page

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Find out more about hair, beauty and body art business regulations:

• Learn more from the Hair, Beauty and Body Art Business Regulations page
• Review the Infection Control Guidelines

If you answer YES any of the following questions, you will likely need a Street and Footpath Permit:

• Are you planning on alfresco dining - placing on the footpath area any tables, chairs, umbrellas, heaters, screens or similar items to facilitate custom of your business?
• Are you planning to offer portable advertising/display goods for sale - placing an A-frame sign or display of goods (e.g. fruit stand) on the footpath?

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Learn more and get started:

• Learn more from the Local Laws Permits page.
• Download and read the Footpath Trading Guidelines before applying.

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Download and complete the following forms:

• Permit Application Form and Form of Indemnity.

If you answer YES to the following question, you will likely need a Roadside Permit:

• Are you planning on mobile trading - roadside trading as a business or individual for business purposes on an ongoing/repeat operating basis?

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Learn more and get started:

• Download and read the Roadside Trading Guidelines before applying.

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Download and complete the following forms:

• Permit Application Form and Form of Indemnity.

If you answer YES to the following questions, you will likely need to engage a private building surveyor to issue a Building Permit:

• Are you planning to carry out any internal renovations on your premises?
• Are you planning to carry out any external or structural building work on your premises?
• Do you want to change the number of people that can occupy your building at any one time?

Note: Wellington Shire Council does not issue Building Permits. Building Permits are issued by private building surveyors.

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Learn more and get started:

• Learn more from the Building Permits page.

If you answer YES to the following question, you will likely need a liquor licence:

• Does your business plan to offer the sale and/or consumption of liquor or gaming?

Note: Wellington Shire Council does not issue Liquor Licences. Liquor Licences are issued by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.

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Learn more and get started:

There are a number of requirements that you must comply with if you intend to sell, serve or enable liquor to be consumed from your business premises.

• Find out more about applying for a liquor licence here.
• Things to consider before applying for a liquor licence.
• Liquor Control Reform Act 1998.

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There are two different approvals that may be required:

• Planning Permit from Wellington Shire Council.
• Liquor Licence from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.

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Lodge your application:

• To apply for a general licence, download and complete the General licence application kit.

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The Wellington Shire Alcohol Accord

The aim of the Wellington Shire Alcohol Accord is to contribute to the health, wellbeing and safety of the residents and visitors to the Wellington Shire. By promoting the responsible service, sale and consumption of alcohol and to foster a pleasant amenity within the Wellington Shire by encouraging high standards of behaviour in the community.

• Download a copy of the Accord document here.

For all other enquiries or support to start or grow a business, please contact:

Rachel Weatherley
‍Email: rachelw@wellington.vic.gov.au
Mobile: 0429 633 199
‍Phone: (03) 5142 3260