Media Centre
New initiative for licensed venues
Published 5 October 2011
The Director of Liquor Licensing Mark Brennan, yesterday announced that a new Government initiative to be launched in 2012 will see the introduction of a 5 star rating system that rewards licensed venues demonstrating good business practise.
Mr Brennan announced the initiative at the Liquor Accord Forum, hosted by the City of Port Phillip at the St Kilda Town Hall.
Over 80 traders attended the forum, along with high profile speakers including the Inspector of Port Phillip Division for Police David Blencowe and Mayor Cr Rachel Powning. The panel also consisted of Jonathan Sherren, President of the Accord and Roger Wyndham, Chair of Fitzroy Street Traders Association.
At the forum, Mr Brennan spoke about the creation of a new, integrated liquor and gambling regulator for Victoria called the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) as part of the Government’s election commitment to strengthen liquor and gambling regulation in Victoria.
The new regulator will have a commission-style decision-making structure, with expert commissioners delivering timely and consistent decisions through a transparent decision-making process.
The Mayor and the Police Inspector emphasised the importance of accessing information to assist in dealing with the authorities and to prevent problems related to alcohol harm from escalating.
Port Phillip is home to almost 700 licensed alcohol venues spanning across the municipality, including the main entertainment precincts of Clarendon Street, Bay Street, Fitzroy Street and Acland Street.
In addressing the forum the Mayor said, “It is timely that we should come together at today’s forum to recognise the achievements, the successes and the future challenges in relation to reducing crime, violence and anti-social behaviour resulting from the excessive consumption of alcohol.
“Our overarching aim is to improve the amenity for residents by reducing alcohol related incidents whilst also safeguarding the local economy and the cultural and entertainment life of the city.”
The aim of the forum was to strengthen the membership of the licensee’s accord, promote partnerships and provide information to licensed premises on work being done by Victoria Police, the City of Port Phillip and Responsible Alcohol Victoria around alcohol related harm.
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MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Katie Elles, Media Adviser 9209 6163 0435 657 336 kelles@portphillip.vic.gov.au www.portphillip.vic.gov.au
