New Year’s Eve Trading Hours Extended
On 28 October 2013, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) made a decision to extend the Trading Hours of all General, Full Club and On-Premises Liquor Licences and BYO Permits pursuant to Section 58 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998.
The extended Trading Hours are as follows:
• All General, Full Club and On-Premises Liquor Licences are varied to allow for the sale of liquor for on-premises consumption until 1.00a.m. on 1 January 2014.
• All BYO Permits are varied to allow for the consumption of BYO liquor until 1.00a.m. on 1 January 2014.
• All On-Premises Liquor Licences with Restaurant Conditions and all Restaurant & Café Liquor Licences are varied to allow for the sale and consumption of liquor on these premises until 3.00a.m. on 1 January 2014.
In relation to the extension of Trading Hours, please note the following:
1. The extension of Trading Hours does not apply to Packaged, Late Night, Vignerons/Wine & Beer Producer’s, Restricted Club, Pre-Retail or Limited Renewable Liquor Licences or to any sale of packaged liquor for off-premises consumption; and
2. Licensees must have regard to any other conditions endorsed on their Liquor Licence or related Planning Permits.
Any Licensees wishing to trade beyond the extended Trading Hours detailed above will need to apply for a Temporary Limited Licence with the VCGLR on or before 15 November 2013 to allow sufficient time for the Application to be processed.
In the inner-city municipalities of the City of Melbourne, the City of Yarra, the City of Stonnington and the City of Port Phillip, where Ministerial Guidelines concerning trade after 1a.m. apply, applicants must demonstrate ‘exceptional circumstances’ to be considered for the granting of a temporary licence.
Licensees that already trade beyond the extension hours through their pre-existing liquor licence are not affected.
Subject the above restrictions, this is a terrific opportunity for hospitality and entertainment businesses to hold special events and trade later on New Year’s Eve.
If you do choose to take advantage of the extended Trading Hours, please ensure that you continue to comply with all of the relevant procedures and licensing requirements in respect of the Responsible Service of Alcohol and patron safety.
If you have any queries about the extension of Trading Hours on New Year’s Eve or any other Liquor Licensing, Gaming or Hospitality matter, please contact Anthony Pointon at Pointon Partners on 03 9614 7707.
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