Liquor forums - getting started

Forums are a local initiative and are set up by local police, council representatives and licensees working together. The VCGLR has a number of resources and templates to assist, and can provide guidance if required.

Forum members may include local:

• licensees from a variety of venue types including sporting clubs, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, packaged liquor outlets and gaming venues
• Victoria Police members
• council representatives
• community, industry groups and organisations with an interest in alcohol and gambling issues.
• VCGLR representatives, education and Compliance divisions, attend forum meetings from time to time.

The VCGLR supports forums by providing resources, educational material and regular email updates containing important information about legislation changes and new initiatives.

This includes a monthly bulletin sent to all forum chairpersons each month, containing news items and updates. The chairperson is encouraged to circulate the bulletin to all forum members and include it in discussions at meetings.

A written document that sets out specific aims, actions, objectives and strategies addressing local alcohol-related problems. It may also include responsible gambling initiatives.

Liquor accords are established under Part 8, Division 6 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 and must be approved by the VCGLR.

The liquor accord document template (DOC, 142 KB) is a guide for you to use when creating a liquor accord document.

The Accords Approval pack (PDF, 357.22 KB) includes all the information and checklists you need to apply for approval of a liquor accord. It includes:

• information about how to apply
• checklist of what to include in your accord document
• Victoria Police approval form
• banning guidelines insert to be included in your accord document.

The Forum resources and materials page contains documents and templates when developing a liquor accord and holding forum meetings.

In particular, there is a How to run a successful liquor forum (PDF, 291.08 KB) document and a Liquor forum flyer which is useful when you are setting up a forum or trying to increase attendance and membership

If you can't find the information you are looking for, submit an enquiry via the contact us page with your queries and a member of the VCGLR Education team will be happy to assist you.