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.
