Alcohol
There are over 19,000 licensed venues in Victoria as diverse as boutique wineries and restaurants, laneway bars and country pubs. The Minister for Consumer Affairs is responsible for the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (the Act).The objective of the Act is to minimise alcohol-related harm while delivering effective regulation in support of a safe, diverse and sustainable liquor industry.
To view the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, visit the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website:
- Select 'Victorian Law Today'
- Click the 'Acts' button
- Proceed to locate the Act.
The Department of Justice through the Justice Alcohol Policy unit provides strategic policy advice and support to the Minister for Consumer Affairs on the development and implementation of liquor legislation and regulation.
Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (the Commission) is an independent statutory authority responsible for the regulation of Victoria’s liquor and gambling industries, including liquor and gaming licensing, compliance and education.
For enquiries about liquor licensing or for more information on the Commission, visit the website or call 1300 182 457.
Recent changes to liquor legislation and regulation
Some recent changes to liquor legislation and regulation include:
- the introduction of a five star rating system and a demerit points system to provide licensees with stronger incentives to comply with liquor laws;
- a new wine and beer producer’s licence to replace the vigneron’s licence, which had become outdated and inflexible;
- a number of public order initiatives, including a new power allowing licensees, permittees, responsible persons and members of the police force to issue orders to bar problem patrons from licensed premises, and a number of other new offences and penalties;
- a new law prohibiting the supply of liquor to minors in a private home without the consent of their parent, guardian or adult spouse;
- an addition to the objects of the Act to recognise the importance of live music to the hospitality industry and the community more broadly; and
- an audit of large, late night trading venues to ensure that licence and security conditions appropriately protect patron and community safety.
Contact:
Justice Alcohol Policy
Department of Justice
37/121 Exhibition St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Email: jap@justice.vic.gov.au