The inaugural State of the Industry Report (SIR) has been unveiled by the Australian Hotels Association (Vic), citing extensive research on what consumers want from pubs and society.
The SIR outlines the social and economic contribution of pubs and hotels in Victoria, through compilation of extensive market research and exclusive polling by Talbot Mills, benchmarking data, and a survey of thousands of patrons.
This is the first time the state’s pub and hotel industry has produced research evidence of this scale.
It highlights the sector’s evolution and points out outdated stereotypes of pubs as unruly spaces, revealing well-managed businesses that prioritise safety and community, which underpins calls for the modernisation of policy settings to match the sector’s scale and cultural importance.
A key product of the report is the modernisation of Victoria’s current ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to licensing and compliance, with proposal of the Trusted Operator Status framework for venues that have demonstrated records of safety, training and community engagement.
Feedback by the public confirms that pubs sit at the heart of Victoria’s social fabric, economic activity and regional identity, as seen in the ways the industry interacts with its locals.
The report says Victorian pubs and hotels directly employ more than 64k people, and are often a critical pathway for young people entering the job market. This makes it one of the state’s largest private-sector workforces.
Beyond jobs, the industry remains one of Victoria’s quiet philanthropic heavyweights.
The member survey found pubs collectively contribute close to $30 million annually, to local charities, sporting clubs, community groups, emergency services and cultural initiatives, through raffles, donated meals, and grassroots partnerships. Much of this takes place without fanfare or acknowledgement.
Importantly, in harsh economic times, public confidence in pubs reportedly remains high, reflected in the fact that:
- 83% say pubs are an important part of Victorian social life
- 77% agree pubs are safe places to drink
- 78% believe government should focus more on education rather than regulation when it comes to alcohol
“The numbers speak for themselves,” suggests AHA GM of Corporate and Public Affairs, Matt Dawson.
“Victorians feel safe in pubs, they enjoy pubs, and they trust pubs. That level of goodwill is rare. We should be building on it, not burying it in regulation and paperwork.”
The Trusted Operator Status concept is a transformational policy proposal that would cut red tape, reducing duplicated checks and unnecessary administration, and saving operators considerable time and money better spent on development.
By recognising venues with a proven record of compliance, staff training and positive reputation, eligible venues could access streamlined renewals, simplified audit processes, relaxation of inspections, or reduced reporting obligations.
The AHA suggests it would reward professionalism and encourage continuous improvement, and would mirror models already used in food safety and workplace regulation, while freeing up regulators to focus on venues needing closer attention.
The SIR also collated the latest ‘no news here’ stats on Victoria’s favourite meals and beers, finding Carlton Draught remains the state’s favourite beer and the Chicken Parma retaining its crown as the defining pub meal for Victorians.
But beyond f&b staples, SIR tabulated the number one reason patrons return: staff experience, as voted by 49 per cent of respondents.
In summary, the report affirms what is asserted by the industry’s advocates, that pubs are vital employer, major contributors to economies and a force in community cohesion.
“Front bars aren’t fight clubs anymore. The industry has matured and now it is time for government to come along with us,” concludes Dawson.
