The Victorian regulator for matters liquor and gaming has announced some major changes, not limited to its new name of VGCCC and the upcoming readjustment of its portfolio.
Following legislation passed by Victorian Parliament in December 2021, the VCGLR (Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation) has become the VGCCC (Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission), effective from 1 January 2022.
During 2022, additional legislation regarding new arrangements for liquor regulation will be introduced in parliament, leading to the portfolio being transferred to the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS).
Until then, the VGCCC will continue to regulate both gambling and liquor and anyone requiring the services of the former VCGLR should continue to contact them.
All liquor-related forms remain valid until further notice.
The changes are part of a suite of amendments to the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 that were passed by Victorian Parliament in October 2021, which will affect both the regulator’s powers and impact how licensees operate their venues, and will come into effect in stages throughout this year.
Some changes to Liquor Accords come into effect 31 January.
The laws currently state that two or more licensees may enter into a Liquor Accord, being a written code of practice or agreement that affects the supply of liquor to premises, and may include aspects of operation, such as terms regarding the manner in which members of the public may be banned from entering a licensed premises.
Liquor Accords must be approved by the regulator and the Chief Commissioner of Police.
Changes to the Accords specify:
- The maximum period for which a person may be banned under a Liquor Accord is 12 months
- Licensees and permittees may consult Victoria Police when developing or enforcing a Liquor Accord
- It is an offence for a person to use or disclose any information received from the VGCCC or Victoria Police regarding banned persons, except for the purposes of enforcing an Accord ban or for other purposes required by law
- All Liquor Accords must be published on the VGCCC website
For more information about all the changes to liquor laws under the LCR Act visiting the VGCCC webpage.
