Freeze on late-night liquor licenses extended
The Victorian Government has announced it will extend the freeze on late-night liquor licences in inner Melbourne and surrounding municipalities for a further 18 months.
During the freeze, the Director of Liquor Licensing will not grant new licences for bars, pubs and nightclubs operating after 1am, unless the applicant can show exceptional circumstances.
The freeze was due to expire at the end of this year, but will now continue until 30 June 2013.
It is in place to stop the growth of high-risk late-night venues in the local government areas of Melbourne, Port Phillip, Yarra and Stonnington.
Membership-based clubs and most restaurants and cafes are not affected by the freeze.
The suspension of late-night licences will continue to allow the government to monitor its affect on licensee behaviour and practices, and the safety of their patrons.
In announcing the extension, Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O’Brien said that a number of large-capacity nightclub venues have been identified as significant problems for alcohol-related violence.
“Stronger laws and regulations for licensed venues will make Victoria’s entertainment precincts safer and more enjoyable for all," Mr O'Brien said.
You can find more information on the late-night freeze on the Department of Justice website.