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The Victorian Liquor Commission holds hearings to decide important matters about liquor licences and permits.
Hearings are not always about wrongdoing.
They enable the Commission to consider the views of licence applicants or objectors before deciding whether to:
- grant or refuse a licence
- transfer a licence
- make changes to a licence
- suspend or cancel a licence.
Types of reviews and inquiries
There are 3 main types of reviews and inquiries that involve hearings:
- Internal review
- Disciplinary action inquiry
- Amenity inquiry
An internal review is a review of a licensing decision made by either:
- a delegate (Liquor Control Victoria staff member) or
- a single Victorian Liquor Commission commissioner (not a commissioner panel decision).
You can ask for an internal review if you are not satisfied with a decision we have made.
The Commission will hold a hearing to freshly consider all existing and new evidence to make a decision.
Decisions that can be internally reviewed
The Commission can internally review a decision to:
- grant, vary, transfer or relocate a licence/BYO permit
- refuse to grant, vary, transfer or relocate a licence/BYO permit
- impose a condition
- approve or refuse to approve a person as the nominee or director of the licensee/permittee.
Download the internal review application form for a complete list of decisions that can be internally reviewed.
Apply for an internal review
You can apply for an internal review if you are:
- the applicant
- the licensee/permittee
- an objector acknowledged by Liquor Control Victoria.
You must apply within 28 days of when either:
- we advised you of the decision
- you received the statement of reasons.
How to apply
1. Complete the application form
Including reasons for your application, and prepare any supporting documents. Supporting documents might include things like:
- expert advice, such as a report from an acoustic engineer
- a witness statement from someone who has more information
- letters, emails or documents that give extra details
- management plan(opens in a new window) showing how alcohol-related harm will be managed
- updated red line plan(opens in a new window) or photos that show where alcohol will be sold and consumed.
Internal review application(opens in a new window)PDF 1.53 MB2. Submit your form
Email your completed internal review application form, a copy of the decision and any supporting documents to secretariat@liquor.vic.gov.au.
We will email you with next steps. This may take a few weeks.
What the Commission considers
The Commission will hold a hearing to freshly consider all existing and new evidence to make a decision. The Commission will carefully review everything before making a fair and informed decision.
A disciplinary action inquiry is a formal process that the Victorian Liquor Commission conducts to:
- consider if a licence or permit holder has breached the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998
- decide if the Commission needs to take disciplinary action.
The inquiry includes a hearing where evidence is presented and the licensee has a chance to respond.
Only Victoria Police, local councils or the Commission can request a disciplinary action inquiry.
Inquiries in progress
We are required to publish upcoming or in progress disciplinary action inquiries on our website (s92A and s94B of the Act).
24 Plus Entertainment Pty Ltd
The Commission has a disciplinary inquiry in progress for 24 Plus Entertainment Pty Ltd, holder of late night (on-premises) licence number 32228858.
The inquiry is to determine if 24 Plus Entertainment Pty Ltd:
- has breached the Act or licence conditions
- is otherwise unsuitable to hold a licence.
A directions hearing was held on 18 November 2025 to set out procedural matters.
24 Plus Entertainment Pty Ltd(opens in a new window)PDF 139.33 KBSterling Nightclubs Pty Ltd
The Commission has a disciplinary inquiry in progress for Sterling Nightclubs Pty Ltd, holder of late night (on-premises) licence number 32221115.
The inquiry is to determine if Sterling Nightclubs Pty Ltd:
- has breached the Act or licence conditions
- has conducted business in a way harmful to the area
- is otherwise unsuitable to hold a licence.
A directions hearing was held on 12 November 2025 to set out procedural matters, including submissions and witnesses.
Sterling Nightclubs Pty Ltd(opens in a new window)PDF 177.4 KBGalaxy KTV & Bar Pty Ltd
The Commission has a disciplinary inquiry in progress for Galaxy KTV & Bar Pty Ltd, holder of on-premises licence number 32374447.
The inquiry is to determine if Galaxy KTV & Bar Pty Ltd:
- has breached the Act or licence conditions
- has conducted business in a way harmful to the area
- is otherwise unsuitable to hold a licence.
A directions hearing was held on 14 August 2025 to set out procedural matters, including submissions and witnesses.
Galaxy KTV Bar(opens in a new window)PDF 144.03 KBAn amenity inquiry is a formal process that the Victorian Liquor Commission conducts.
It considers if a licensed venue or location is either:
- operating in way that has a negative impact on the amenity of a local area (s94 of the Act)
- not been used for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
The Commission may order the licence be cancelled, suspended or varied.
The inquiry includes a hearing where evidence is presented and the licensee has a chance to respond.
Only Victoria Police or the local council can request an amenity inquiry. The Commission can also initiate an inquiry.
Taking part in a hearing
If you are involved in a hearing, we will contact you with details.
We encourage participants to attend in person.
You can ask to attend by videoconference but this is not always possible and the Commission must approve the request prior to the hearing.
You may:
- bring legal or other representation
- present evidence or call witnesses
- request special assistance if required, such as access to a hearing loop.
Hearings are open to the public, unless otherwise stated.
Email the Secretariat if you need more information.
Help to take part in a hearing
We can provide support if you need help to take part in a hearing. This might include help with:
- communication issues
- interpreters for parties attending in person
- mobility issues
- wellbeing, safety or security
- other access needs.
If you have special requirements for an in-person hearing, email secretariat@liquor.vic.gov.au at least 10 days before the hearing date.
Upcoming hearings
If you plan to attend a hearing, you must email the Secretariat to let them know at least 2 days before the hearing. Email secretariat@liquor.vic.gov.au.
For security reasons, the Commission requires a list of attendees 2 days ahead. Bring photo ID.
Check the venue for the hearing. Be aware the schedule is updated occasionally and may change.
Email the Secretariat if you need more information.
Date and time Licensee / Premises Matter type Hearing venue Monday 15 December 2025 Licensee: Theka Brothers Pty Ltd
Premises: ThekaHearing Internal review Tuesday 16 December 2025 Licensee: Galaxy KTV & Bar Pty Ltd
Premises: Galaxy KTV & Bar, MelbourneDirections hearing Disciplinary action inquiry Wednesday 17 December 2025 Licensee: Channy Kim
Premises: Sabai Massage and CuppingHearing Internal Review Thursday 29 January 2026 Licensee: 24 Plus Entertainment Pty Ltd
Premises: Club 24Directions hearing Disciplinary action inquiry Thursday 12 February 2026 Licensee: Sterling Nightclubs Pty Ltd
Premises: The Love MachineDirections hearing Disciplinary action inquiry
Commission decisions
You can read and download Victorian Liquor Commission decisions on the Australasian Legal Information Institute (AustLII) website.
The AustLII website also has decisions made by the:
- Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (previous regulator)
- Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.
CLFD Nominees Pty Ltd at Neighbourhood
Date
6 May 2025
Outcome
Temporary limited licence granted for 12 months with specific conditions.
Summary
The Commission reviewed the refusal of a renewable limited licence for a Warragul café. It set aside the delegate’s decision and instead issued a temporary limited licence for 12 months.
The licence included specific conditions on limited trading hours, functions, amenity and the type and range of alcohol supplied. The Commission found this outcome consistent with the harm minimisation objectives of the Act.
Read the full decision on the AustLII website
C & I Culinary Pty Ltd at Colombo Brothers
Date
12 May 2025
Outcome
Renewable limited licence granted with conditions.
Summary
The Commission reviewed the refusal of a renewable limited licence for Colombo Brothers, a Sri Lankan takeaway and specialty grocer in Grovedale. It found the business was a specialty shop rather than a convenience store, and that the proposal satisfied the limited scale and scope test under the Act.
The Commission set aside the refusal and granted the licence, subject to conditions including limited trading hours, liquor supply only with meals, and a restricted product range (Sri Lankan and Indian beer and pre-mixed liquor, maximum six cans per transaction).
Read the full decision on the AustLII website
Kaylene Mexon and Matthew Webster at The BBQ Garden
Date
15 May 2025
Outcome
Licence variation granted with updated addresses and conditions.
Summary
The Commission reviewed the refusal to vary a renewable limited licence for The BBQ Garden in Glenrowan. It found the proposed changes, including refined trading hours for on-premises consumption and a dedicated whiskey bar, satisfied the limited scale and scope test, would not have a negative effect on amenity and would not cause any alcohol-related harm.
The Commission set aside the refusal and granted the variation of the licence, subject to further conditions.
Read the full decision on the AustLII website.
Ryan's Family Hotel Pty Ltd at Ryan’s Hotel
Date
13 June 2025
Offence
Grounds for disciplinary action under a late night (general) licence.
Outcome
- Fine of $15,000.
- Robert Bottazzi disqualified for 3 months.
- George Zurcas disqualified until 30 June 2026.
Summary
The Commission found disciplinary grounds against Ryan’s Hotel in Traralgon, operated under a late night (general) licence. Ryan’s Family Hotel Pty Ltd (under administration) was fined $15,000.
Two related individuals were also disqualified from the liquor industry: Mr Robert Bottazzi for 3 months and Mr George Zurcas until 30 June 2026. Their disqualifications covered holding or being involved in licences, management roles, beneficial interests and (for Mr Zurcas) employment in licensed venues.
Read the full decision on the AustLII website.
Chris Andrews
Date
16 July 2025
Outcome
Variation of pre-retail licence granted, subject to conditions.
Summary
Chris Andrews applied to the Commission to vary his pre-retail licence and remove a condition that restricted supply to other licence holders within a 30 km radius.
The Commission noted that the licence had been held for more than 3 years, with no compliance issues, and the change would not cause any alcohol-related harm. Victoria Police and the local council did not have any objections to the variation of the licence.
The Commission set aside the refusal and granted the variation, subject to conditions.
Read the full decision on the AustLII website.
Flinders Lane Pty Ltd at Melbourne Wine Room
Date
30 July 2025
Outcome
Restaurant and cafe licence granted with conditions.
Summary
The Commission reviewed the grant of a restaurant and cafe licence for Melbourne Wine Room in Flinders Lane, following objections from nearby residents about late trading and amenity impacts.
The licensee amended its operations by reducing trading hours to 1 am, removing an outdoor speaker and committing to install an airlock and implement management measures. The Commission was satisfied that the venue’s main activity was serving meals and that licence conditions would mitigate harm and protect amenity.
It confirmed the grant of the licence and implemented licence conditions to protect the amenity of the area and address the residents' concerns.
Read the full decision on the AustLII website.
VR Entertainment Pty Ltd at VR Theme Park
Date
4 August 2025
Outcome
Renewable limited licence granted with conditions.
Summary
The Commission reviewed the refusal of a renewable limited licence for VR Theme Park in Caroline Springs, a venue mainly visited by children and families and used for children’s parties.
The applicant revised its proposal so liquor would only be supplied at pre-booked private functions, with food, a limited alcohol range, secure storage and RSA-trained staff. Guest numbers were capped at 80 seated or 100 cocktail-style, with events finishing by 11 pm.
The Commission found the proposal satisfied the scale and scope test, presented minimal amenity or harm concerns and did not risk supply to minors. It granted the licence for the function room, subject to conditions on hours, guest limits, liquor range, storage, food service and staff requirements.
Read the full decision on the AustLII website.
Matilda Collective at Matilda Mont Albert
Date
5 December 2025
Outcome
Restaurant and cafe licence granted with specific conditions.
Summary
The Commission reviewed the grant of a restaurant and cafe licence for premises located in Mont Albert North following an internal review application by a local resident. The Commission affirmed the delegate’s decision and issued a restaurant and cafe licence with special conditions to address amenity concerns.
The licence included specific conditions on limited trading hours, functions, amenity and the maximum patron numbers. The Commission found this outcome consistent with the harm minimisation objectives of the Act.
Footbridge Mini Golf Pty Ltd at Footbridge Mini Golf
Date
17 January 2024
Outcome
On-premises licence granted with conditions. Permanent underage authority refused.
Summary
Footbridge Mini Golf Pty Ltd applied for an on-premises liquor licence and a permanent underage authority at its Lakes Entrance venue. The Commission found that supplying alcohol in an environment designed to appeal to minors, such as mini golf courses, a cafe and retail areas, created a risk of harm.
It granted the on-premises licence in part, with conditions requiring secure storage, monitoring of alcohol and separation of licensed areas from child-focused spaces.
The Commission refused the permanent underage authority, finding it inconsistent with the harm minimisation objectives of the Act.
Read the full decision on the AustLII website.
GRHO Pty Ltd at Grosvenor Hotel
Date
18 January 2024
Outcome
Late night (general) licence variation granted.
Summary
The Commission reviewed the refusal to vary the late night (general) licence for the Grosvenor Hotel in Balaclava.
It set aside the delegate’s decision and granted the variation.
Read the full decision on the AustLII website.
Airport Retail Enterprises Pty Ltd at Hungry Jack’s, Melbourne Airport
Date
15 March 2024
Outcome
On-premises liquor licence refused.
Summary
Airport Retail Enterprises applied for an on-premises licence for a Hungry Jack’s outlet at Melbourne Airport, including approval to supply liquor in a food court.
The Commission affirmed the delegate’s decision and refused the licence.
Read the full decision on the AustLII website.
Maniax Melbourne CBD Pty Ltd at Maniax Melbourne CBD
Date
3 April 2024
Outcome
Application to vary licence refused; original licence conditions upheld.
Summary
Maniax Melbourne CBD Pty Ltd applied to vary its on-premises licence to allow participants in axe-throwing sessions to consume alcohol and to change licence wording from participants being 'affected' by alcohol to 'impaired'.
The Commission found that alcohol consumption during axe throwing would increase the risk of harm and that existing safety measures, including staff supervision and participant agreements, were insufficient to mitigate this risk. The requested wording change was also deemed unnecessary.
The Commission refused the variation and maintained the original licence conditions.
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