The Andrews Labor Government is working to make sure clubs and bars across Victoria are safe, with liquor and gaming inspectors conducting a blitz of more than 14,000 inspections across the state in the last financial year.
Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz was joined by Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard to attend an inspection of the Ballarat Golf Club to congratulate the hard working inspectors on their efforts.
A record 14,347 inspections were carried out by inspectors from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR), as they exceeded their annual target of 13,000 inspections. Under the former Coalition Government, inspections collapsed to just 7,452 in 2013-14.
In 2015-16, 2,512 of these inspections were completed in regional Victoria, exceeding the regional target of 1,600, with 178 of these inspections in Ballarat.
The VCGLR also exceeded the target of 20 joint operations, with 35 conducted with other regulators, focusing on intoxicated patrons and minors accessing gambling services and liquor.
Inspections are aimed at ensuring venues comply with Victoria’s gambling and liquor laws. Inspectors look for breaches related to responsible service of gaming and alcohol. They can request information, documents, records and equipment, or seize items as evidence.
Inspectors have a key role maintaining community confidence in the nightlife sector, which currently employs around 70,000 Victorians across the state.
In 2015-16, the VCGLR also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Victoria Police, helping to keep communities safe from gambling and liquor related harm by allowing for easier sharing of information and data.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz
‘’The Andrews Labor Government has put inspectors back on the beat. We’ve introduced liquor and gaming inspection targets to help make sure Victorians can enjoy a night out in a safe environment.”
“The previous Liberal Government abandoned regional Victoria. Inspection levels dropped and potential rogue operators were left unchecked.”
“I congratulate all the inspectors across Victoria, as we work to keep Victoria’s pubs and clubs safe and ensure community confidence in the sector.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong, Geoff Howard
“Ballarat’s hospitality and entertainment venues have helped create Ballarat’s vibrant nightlife.”
“The inspectors of Ballarat have done an excellent job working with them to ensure they’re operating well.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020