As business operations for licensed premises often change overtime, liquor licences also need to adapt to better suit modern businesses.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (the VCGLR) conducted a review of late night (general), late night (on-premises), and late night (packaged liquor) licences to ensure all licensees in these categories have standard conditions that are modern, clear, transparent and aligned with the objectives of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (the Act).
As part of the review, the VCGLR developed new standard conditions for late night licences and was proposing to vary existing licences with the new standard conditions.
Prior to varying late night licences, the VCGLR sent correspondence to all affected licensees seeking feedback on the proposed new standard conditions.
The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (the OLGR) within the Department of Justice and Regulation is currently undertaking a review of the Act.
The OLGR has recently advised that as part of this review, it is considering changes to liquor licence categories, as well as statutory conditions imposed on licensees by reference to a licensee’s business model.
As a result, the VCGLR has determined to not proceed with varying existing late night licences at this time, pending the outcome of the OLGR’s review of the Act.
On 5 June 2018, the VCGLR notified affected licensees by mail.