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- On 17 October 2024, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application by Select Market Pty Ltd under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to refuse to grant a packaged liquor licence in respect of premises located at Unit 1, 250 Flinders Street, Melbourne, trading as Select Market. The Commission determined to affirm the decision of the Delegate and refuse the application. On 3 September 2024, the Commission handed down its decision and reasons regarding an internal review application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 of a decision by a member of the Commission to ban the advertising or promotion of the supply of the liquor product known by the name of ‘Wet Pussy’. On 20 August 2024, the Commission handed down its decision and reasons in the matter regarding an internal review application made under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 as to a decision of a delegate to refuse an application for a restaurant and cafe licence for the premises known as Flour Child Richmond. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the delegate and grant the restaurant and café licence application subject to conditions. On 14 August 2024, the Commission handed down its decision and reasons in the matter regarding seven internal review applications made under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 as to a decision of a delegate to grant an application for a packaged liquor licence for the premises known as Dan Murphy’s, Daylesford. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the delegate and refuse the packaged liquor licence application. On 9 August 2024, the Commission handed down its decision and reasons regarding an internal review application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 of a decision by a delegate to refuse to grant an application for a restaurant and cafe licence to Eatertainment Group Pty Ltd for the premises trading as Paddle Battle. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the delegate and grant the restaurant and café licence application subject to conditions. On 30 July 2024, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to refuse an application for the approval of a person as a nominee, namely HTU, for the premises trading as IPLC, located in Melbourne's south east (deidentified). The Commission determined to affirm the decision of the Delegate and refuse the application. On 22 July 2024, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to grant, in part, an application to vary the category of licence in respect of the premises located at Level 3, 52 Montclair Avenue, Glen Waverley, trading as BBQ-K Plus. The Commission determined to vary the decision of the Delegate and grant the application subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. On 8 July 2024, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application by Mr John Mikulcic under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to grant a packaged liquor licence in respect of premises located at 108 Ormond Road, Elwood, trading as Blackhearts & Sparrows. The Commission determined to affirm the decision of the Delegate subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. The Victorian Liquor Commission has issued a $20,000 fine to Sterling Nightclubs, licensee of the premises known as The Love Machine, and ordered that a gender-based violence prevention plan and robust regular reviews of management measures be implemented for the venue. Chairperson Danielle Huntersmith said “the Commission will hold licensees accountable for the irresponsible service of alcohol and their impact on the surrounding areas”. “We encourage all venues that pose a higher risk of gender based violence to adopt a robust gender-based violence prevention plan as part of their comprehensive management measures”. On 27 May 2024, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of two applications under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for the internal review of a decision to grant, in part, a renewable limited licence in respect of the premises located at Petty's Reserve, 61-77 Reynolds Road, Templestowe, trading as Manningham United Blues Football Club. The Commission determined to vary the decision of the delegate and grant the application subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. On 3 April 2024, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 by Maniax Melbourne CBD Pty Ltd for an internal review of a decision by a delegate to refuse an application for variation of an on-premises licence for the premises located at 121 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, trading as Maniax Melbourne CBD. The Commission has determined to affirm the decision of the Delegate and refuse the application. On 15 March 2024, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 by Airport Retail Enterprises Pty Ltd for an internal review of a decision by a delegate to refuse to grant an application for an on-premises licence for premises trading as Hungry Jack’s, located at Terminal 1, Tenancy AS-15, Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine. The Commission has determined to affirm the decision of the Delegate and refuse the application. On 18 January 2024, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to refuse to vary a late-night (general) licence in respect of the premises located at 10 Brighton Road, Balaclava, trading as Grosvenor Hotel. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the delegate and in substitution, grant the application subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. On 17 January 2024, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to grant in part an application for an on-premises licence and refuse to grant an application for a permanent underage authority to Footbridge Mini Golf Pty Ltd in respect of the premises located at 547-549 The Esplanade, Lakes Entrance, trading as Footbridge Mini Golf. The Commission determined to vary the decision of the delegate and grant in part the application for an on-premises licence subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A and affirm the decision of the delegate to refuse an application for a permanent underage authority.
- On 1 December 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an amended application by Camberwell Developments Pty Ltd under section 11 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for grant of a packaged liquor licence in respect of premises located at G16-G17 of 1-11 Greenvale Drive, Greenvale, described as Bottlement at Greenvale. The Commission determined to grant the amended application subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. On 1 December 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to grant an application for a renewable limited licence to Wiffen Enterprises Pty Ltd in respect of the premises located at Portarlington Harbour, Portarlington. The Commission determined to vary the decision of the Delegate and grant the application subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. On 24 November 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 by FCC Pty Ltd for an internal review of a decision by a delegate to refuse an application for the transfer of a general licence to FCC Pty Ltd for the premises trading as ABR, located in regional Victoria (deidentified). The Commission has determined to set aside the decision of the Delegate and, in substitution, grant the application for a transfer of the licence subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. On 1 September 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to grant an application for a renewable limited licence to On A Boat Pty Ltd in respect of the premises located at WTC Wharf, 18/38 Siddeley St, Docklands and Berth 4, Southbank Wharf, Lower Yarra River, Victoria. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the Delegate and, in substitution, grant the application subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. On 31 August 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to grant an application for a renewable limited licence to DYA Australia Pty Ltd in respect of the premises trading as Dya Australia Pty Ltd, located at 252 Graham Street, Port Melbourne. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the Delegate and, in substitution, grant the application subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. On 28 August 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision made by a delegate to refuse a joint application by Mr Tony Chong and Ms Gloria Chong for restaurant and cafe licence in respect of the premises trading as Zeppelin Kitchen located at 368 Bay Street, Brighton. The Commission determined to set affirm the decision of the Delegate and refuse the application. On 22 August 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application made by the Luppino Group Pty Ltd under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision made by a delegate to refuse to grant part an application for variation to the conditions of an existing late night (general) licence in respect of the premises known as Metropolitan Hotel, 265 William Street, Melbourne. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the delegate and, in substitution, grant the variation of the licence subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. On 4 August 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision made by a delegate to refuse to grant an application for a renewable limited licence to The Cavendish Dark Horse Pty Ltd in respect of the premises trading as Gimlet at Cavendish House located at 33 Russell Street, Melbourne. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the Delegate and in substitution, grant the application for a renewable limited licence subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. On 18 July 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision made by a delegate to refuse a joint application by House Bar Pty Ltd and Golden Valley (Vic) Pty Ltd for the transfer of a late night (on premises) licence in respect of the premises trading as Big Mouth located at 201 Barkly Street, St Kilda. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the Delegate and in substitution, grant the application for a transfer of the licence subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. On 18 July 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision made by a delegate to refuse to grant an application for a restaurant and cafe licence to the Baba Levantine Trading Company Pty Ltd in respect of the premises known as The Beast Burgers located at 231 Swanston Street, Melbourne. The Commission determined to affirm the decision of the Delegate and refuse to grant the application for a restaurant and cafe licence. On 16 May 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision made by a delegate to refuse to grant an application for a restaurant and cafe licence to the Eatertainment Group Pty Ltd in respect of the premises known as Paddle Battle located at S5/31 Little Latrobe Street, Melbourne. The Commission determined to affirm the decision of the Delegate and refuse to grant the application for a restaurant and cafe licence. On 8 May 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application made by the Luppino Group Pty Ltd under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision made by a delegate to refuse to grant an application for variation of the category of an existing licence from a restaurant and cafe to a general licence in respect of the premises known as Benzina Cantina located at 84 High Street, Preston. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the delegate and, in substitution, vary the category of the licence subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. On 7 December 2022, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to grant an application for a temporary limited licence to Swancom Pty Ltd in respect of the premises known as the Corner Hotel located at 57-61 Swan Street, Richmond. The Commission determined to vary the decision of the Delegate and grant the application for a temporary limited licence subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. On 20 October 2022, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to refuse to grant an application for a temporary limited licence to The Royal Gin Company Pty Ltd in respect of the premises known as The Timber Yard located at 351 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the Delegate and, in substitution, grant the application for a temporary limited licence. On 3 March 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision made by a Delegate to refuse part of an application made by Malvern East Pty Ltd for variation to conditions of an exisiting late night (general) licence for the premises trading as Racecourse Hotel located at 895 Dandenong Road, Malvern East. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the Delegate and, in substitution, vary the licence. On 22 February 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to refuse to grant a restaurant and cafe licence in respect of the premises located in Melbourne's east (deidentified). The Commission determined to affirm the decision of the Delegate and refuse the application. On 17 February 2023, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to refuse to grant an application for a renewable limited licence to Pineapple Jam Hospitality Pty Ltd in respect of the premises located at Unit 25, 1 Kingston Road, Heatherton. The Commission determined to affirm the decision of the Delegate and refuse to grant the application for a renewable limited licence. On 30 December 2022, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to refuse to grant an application for a renewable limited licence to Mr Michael Buckmaster and Mr Ernesto Mulluso for the premises trading as Workshop Café Heidelberg located at 147 Northern Road, Heidelberg West. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the Delegate and, in substitution, granted a renewable limited licence subject to the conditions set out in Appendix One. On 17 November 2022, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to refuse to grant an application for a temporary limited licence to The Prosecco Van Pty Ltd in respect of the Candlelight Concert located at the Meat Market, 1-7 Black Street, North Melbourne. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the Delegate and, in substitution, granted a temporary limited licence subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A. On 12 August 2022, the Commission handed down its decision in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for an internal review of a decision to refuse to grant an application for a temporary limited licence to Ms Gayle Reeves for events located at the Yarra Valley Railway Market and the Punt Road Winery Market. The Commission determined to set aside the decision of the Delegate and, in substitution, granted a renewable limited licence subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A.
Download a copy of the decision below.
On 21 December 2021, the Commission handed down its reasons in the matter of an application under section 153 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 for internal review of a decision to refuse to grant a temporary limited licence. The Commission determined to affirm the decision of the delegate and refused to grant the temporary limited licence.
Amenity or disciplinary action inquiries
The Victorian Liquor Commission (VLC) can conduct a disciplinary action or amenity inquiry against a licensee or permittee. The Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Victoria Police licensing inspectors or the local government can request that the VLC commence an inquiry. The request must be in writing.
Amenity inquiries relate to circumstances where the ongoing use of a licensed premises would be detrimental to the amenity of the local area or where the licensed premises has not been used for more than 12 months. For a request to conduct an amenity inquiry, please complete the complaints form.
Disciplinary action inquiries respond to incidents of non-compliance by a licensee or permittee. For a request to conduct a disciplinary action inquiry, please use the following form.
Inquiry notices
The inquiry notices detail the initial hearing date and grounds for the inquiry.
Inquiry notices are published pursuant to Section 92A and Section 94B of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998.
Hearings
When considering an internal review matter or conducting an inquiry, the Commission appoints a suitably qualified lawyer to be Counsel Assisting the Commission. Liquor Control Victoria may provide a lawyer to fulfil this function.
The role of the appointed lawyer (Counsel Assisting) is to help the Commission conduct the matter including, including questioning of witnesses at a hearing and eliciting information necessary for the Commission to consider the matter. They can also provide the Commission with legal advice concerning its powers, duties, functions and obligations and facilitate the efficient and effective conduct of the matter.
Role of Counsel Assisting
The role of Counsel Assisting is to facilitate the proper conduct of the matter with a view to ensuring that the Commission has before it all relevant and appropriate evidence, presented in a fair and reasonable manner, to inform the Commission’s decision making.
For this purpose, Counsel Assisting may do one or more of the following (as appropriate for the particular inquiry):
- provide advice to the Commission about how the matter (including preliminary hearings and conferences) should be conducted
- correspond with the parties regarding pre-hearing procedural steps
- identify and/or collate documents that may be relevant
- provide advice about, and assistance with, the use of the Commission's investigative powers (where relevant)
- tender documents or lead evidence
- ask questions of parties and witnesses
- make submissions on relevant matters
- assist in the preparation of draft reasons for decision of the Commission.
Counsel Assisting is expected to:
- act impartially and transparently in their dealings with parties and witnesses
- act in accordance with the lawful directions given by the Commissioners.
Counsel Assisting cannot provide legal advice to parties but can provide guidance to parties concerning the Commission’s usual practices and procedures.
Upcoming hearings
VLC periodically holds hearings. They usually take place, unless indicated otherwise, at:
Hearing Rooms
Victorian Liquor Commission
Ground floor, 49 Elizabeth Street
Richmond, Victoria, 3121
Dates and details for upcoming liquor hearings pursuant to the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 are posted in advance.
Date/time | Licensee/Premises | Hearing type | Matter type | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monday, 25 November 2024 @ 10.30 am | Fortress Melbourne Pty Ltd / Fortress Melbourne | Hearing | Internal Review | N/A |
Tuesday, 26 November 2024 @ 10.30 am | Ryans Family Hotel Pty Ltd / Ryan’s Hotel | Directions Hearing | Disciplinary Action | See Inquiry Notice |
Assistance with access to hearings
Participants for matters scheduled for hearing in person at the VLC hearing room may request assistance with access to the hearing including translation services, physical assistance and video conference because of:
- communication issues
- health issues
- physical mobility
- wellbeing, safety and security
- location
- other access issues.
Members of the public may request access to observe a hearing by videoconference rather than attend in person.
If you have any special requirements to help you participate in an in-person hearing, please contact us prior to the hearing date.
Should you wish to participate via videoconference, please contact us to discuss your options.
Requests should be made as soon as possible before the hearing by email to contact@liquor.vic.gov.au or by phone on 1300 182 457.
Decisions
Statements of reasons in relation to liquor decisions made by the VLC are communicated as soon as practicable and are published on this page.
For accessible copies of decisions please contact us.
Historical liquor decisions, made by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission and the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, are available on this page and at Australasian Legal Information Institute.
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