Forums and liquor accords

Forums are a local initiative and are set up by local police, council representatives and licensees working together. The VCGLR can provide guidance and assistance 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.

No, you do not have to join a forum or become a signatory to an accord. Participation is voluntary.

However, our experience with licensees, industry stakeholders and community has found it is best business practice for licensees to join a forum and sign any related accords.

By working together, licensees maximise opportunities to attract patrons and minimise potential incidents.

Forums benefit members by:

• providing information about licence conditions and how to improve compliance with liquor and gambling laws
• providing information and updates on changes to liquor and gambling laws
• facilitating positive working relationships and networking opportunities with key stakeholders
• developing strategies for managing difficult patrons
• making entertainment precincts a more enjoyable place for residents, staff and visitors
• sharing knowledge and tips about making venues feel welcoming.

Visit the Find my local liquor forum page to find your closest liquor forum.

If you're interested in joining your local liquor forum, you'll need to phone or email the contact listed on the Find my local liquor forum page.

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 (the Act) and must be approved by the Commission.

The Accords Approval pack 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.

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.