Freeze on late-night liquor licences in Melbourne extended

The existing freeze on late-night liquor licences in the inner-city municipalities of Melbourne, Port Phillip, Yarra and Stonnington is set to stay for a while yet.

The Andrews Labor Government is extending the freeze to control the density of liquor licenses and related anti-social behaviour in major entertainment precincts.

Under revised guidelines, existing venues remain exempt and new venues can still apply to trade past 1am if they meet certain exemption conditions, for example, if they support live music or supply alcohol for a significant cultural or sporting event.

Developed through consultation with the live music industry and other stakeholders, the revised guidelines will see the patron capacity limit for live music venues eligible for an exemption increased from 200 to 500 people.

The Minister will be given the power to provide exemptions from the freeze to premises or ventures if they are of major economic significance.

The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation will be given the power to provide exemptions for venues seeking to trade past 1am for the live broadcast of a major international sporting event.

Additional requirements for applicants seeking to trade after 1am on New Year’s Eve within the freeze are removed, and Council support will no longer be required for an application seeking an exemption from the guidelines.

A review of the revised guidelines will commence after one year of their operation and inform the approach when the revised guidelines expire on 30 June 2021.

“We’re extending the freeze on late-night liquor licences, but we’re also making sure that the process is clear and simple for venues that have legitimate grounds for exemptions,” said Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz.

“This is an important step in continuing to reduce anti-social behaviour while also allowing Victorians to go out and enjoy Melbourne’s world-class night life.”

Sheridan Randall - 2/7/19