Overview
Victorians head to the polls on November 28, so it's only natural that the electoral silly season is ramping up. The latest vote-grabber? A re-elected Labor government is pledging to extend normal pub operating hours to help give the hospo and nightlife scenes a much-needed boost.
As it stands, pubs without a nightclub licence must close at 1am. But under a potential reform, you'll be able to happily sip pints until 3am, with pubs automatically granted permission. And you won't have to do it without your best pal, aka your dog.
In addition to potentially getting more patrons through the door, the reforms will also give publicans the final say on whether dogs are allowed inside the venue. Victoria's ban on dogs in pubs dates back to the Food Act 1984, with an amendment set to give our four-legged friends a second chance more than 40 years on.
Significantly, Labor has also pledged to reduce liquor license wait times from 11 to six weeks. "That's a real win for anyone starting up a business for small business. Waiting 11 weeks while you're trying to pay rent is a huge impact," said Molly Rose Brewery's Nic Sandery to The Age.
Meanwhile, venues with a strong compliance history will have options for multi-year licences, plus conditional approvals so businesses can get a head-start before sales begin. There will also be a simplified planning pathway for low-impact works, including fit-outs and renovations.
"Pubs know what they are doing, and these are commonsense decisions to let them get on with business," said Premier Ben Carroll in a media release. "Victoria has the best pubs in the country — let's keep them that way."
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Images: Supplied.