Temporary licence supporting Victoria's hotel industry during lockdown

In response to COVID-19 trading restrictions, The Victorian Commission for Liquor and
Gambling Regulation (VCGLR) has introduced a temporary limited licence (TTL) policy to
assist businesses to adapt their service model and remain open.

Victorian hospitality businesses will have the opportunity to continue to service take-away
and deliver liquor under new regulations.

Designed to balance the needs of industry whilst enabling responsible purchasing and
consumption of liquor, the new licences come as welcome relief to the battling sector.

The licence comes as the media reported allegations of licensed venues serving takeaway
cocktails in metropolitan Melbourne which has led to impromptu beer gardens and
takeaway-drink pub crawls.

The VCGLR has jumped in the regulate the situation without taking away this important
lifeline to many on-premise businesses during lockdown restrictions.

Hospitality is doing what it can to keeps its head above water as can also be witnessed in
metropolitan Sydney with the proliferation of the unregulated ‘kerbside bar’ popping up
over town.

Liquor and Gaming NSW last month issued 7-day bans and fines to nine hospitality venues
in Bondi Beach selling take-away drinks.

Dimitri Argeres, Director Compliance, Better Regulation Division said the activity of selling
cocktails to people to drink nearby or as they walked to the next ‘bar’ in the Bondi Beach
area was encouraging the community to breach public health orders and had to stop.

“We’ve taken this action in response to concerns raised by the police and the community
about drinks such as margarita cocktails in disposable cups being sold in multiple bars along
Bondi Beach,” Mr Argeres said.

“While it is understandable hospitality businesses are trying to maximise business during
these hard times, this activity doesn’t pass the pub test as it results in patron crowding,

congestion and a lack of social distancing.”

Meanwhile in Victoria, holders of permanent liquor licences, such as restaurant and cafe or
on-premises licence, are able to apply for a TLL to supply limited quantities of liquor for
takeaway and home delivery, which is not a standard condition on their permanent liquor
licence.

If a permanent licensee is granted a TLL, licensees must comply with the conditions, and in
particular the quantity limitations to reduce the risk of harm.

TLLs permitting takeaway liquor will also be required to follow the trading hours listed as a
condition on the licence.

Licensees must also be familiar with their obligations under COVID-19 restrictions, and
Public Health Enforcement Team (PHET) will actively inspect venues for compliance.