February 18th, 2026Bushfire funding

The state government is helping businesses hit by this summer’s bushfires – waiving and refunding liquor licence fees so local operators can focus on reopening and recovery.

Minister Enver Erdogan recently announced that businesses affected by the January 2026 bushfires will have their liquor licence renewal fees waived.

This support will help pubs, wineries, distilleries, cafés and bottle shops save money at a time when every dollar counts.

Businesses in areas including Avenel, Merton, Seymour, Alexandra, Skipton, Natimuk, Tallangatta, Gellibrand and many more are eligible.

Businesses who lost stock in the Harcourt Cooperative Cool Stores fire will also have their 2026 fee waived.

More relief will be extended to licensees impacted by bushfires still active across the state.

All eligible businesses will have their fees automatically waived or refunded.

Hospitality and retail businesses play a vital role in local economies and supporting them is central to helping regional communities recover from this year’s devastating bushfires.

The fee relief builds on more than $370 million in jointly funded support already announced for affected families, farmers, businesses and councils.

For recovery help, call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 or visit  vic.gov.au/bushfirerecovery.