Update: Licensed premises may now be able to rely on existing use rights to avoid the need to obtain planning permission to extend or modify trading hours

Update: Licensed premises may now be able to rely on existing use rights to avoid the need to obtain planning permission to extend or modify trading hours

The recent decision of Kevak Hotels Pty Ltd v Darebin CC [2022] VCAT 318 (the ‘Kevak Hotels case’) has significantly evolved case law regarding licensed premises and existing use rights.

Update: COVID-19 Restrictions Removed; COVID-19 Land Tax Relief; Liquor Licence Renewal Fees COVID-19 Restrictions Removed; COVID-19 Land Tax Relief; Liquor Licence Renewal Fees

Update: COVID-19 Restrictions Removed; COVID-19 Land Tax Relief; Liquor Licence Renewal Fees COVID-19 Restrictions Removed; COVID-19 Land Tax Relief; Liquor Licence Renewal Fees

The Victorian Government yesterday announced changes to restrictions in response to COVID-19. A press statement is attached.

Update: Changes to Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 from 15 March 2022

Update: Changes to Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 from 15 March 2022

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (the Commission) recently announced that from 15 March 2022 a second wave of changes to the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (LCRA) will come into effect in accordance with the recently passed Liquor Control Reform Amendment Act 2021 (the Amendment).

Update: Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions

Update: Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions

The Victorian Government has today announced an easing of COVID-19 restrictions. A press statement is attached. From 6:00pm Friday 18 February, new pandemic orders will come into place. Relevant changes to restrictions are as follows: Density quotients in place at hospitality and entertainment venues will be removed. All venues will return to their ordinary patron capacities. Indoor…

Update: Summary of New Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme Regulations 2022

Update: Summary of New Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme Regulations 2022

The new Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme Regulations 2022 (the Regulations) were issued yesterday. A copy of the Regulations can be accessed here. As set out in our previous update whilst the Government on 16 January 2022 announced the extension of the rent relief scheme to apply to eligible leases until 15 March 2022 they did not release the…

Update: COVID-19 Temporary Limited Licences Expiring on 15 March 2022

Update: COVID-19 Temporary Limited Licences Expiring on 15 March 2022

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (formerly the VCGLR) has granted a number of temporary limited licences to venues in response to COVID-19, which allow licensees to temporarily extend their red line area or to temporarily supply liquor with takeaway and delivery orders. The Commission has previously announced an extension for all COVID-19 temporary…

Update: Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme Extended to 15 March 2022

Update: Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme Extended to 15 March 2022

The Minister for Small Business announced on Saturday that the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme (Scheme) will be extended to 15 March 2022. The existing Scheme ended on 15 January 2022 and the extended Scheme will be retrospective from 16 January 2022. This will ensure that tenants who were receiving rent relief under the current Scheme, and who…

Update: Changes for Dancefloors and Vaccination Mandates

Update: Changes for Dancefloors and Vaccination Mandates

The Victorian Government has today announced a further change in restrictions, as well as changes to the vaccination mandate. The changes will take effect from 11:59pm Wednesday 12 January 2022. The changes are as follows: Indoor dancefloors will not be permitted at hospitality and entertainment venues. Outdoor dancefloors are permitted. Where the venue is hosting a…

Update: Indoor Density Limits Reintroduced for Hospitality and Entertainment

Update: Indoor Density Limits Reintroduced for Hospitality and Entertainment

The Victorian Government has today announced a minor change in restrictions as a result of the substantial volumes of positive COVID-19 over recent days. The changes will take effect from 11:59pm tonight. Density limits of one person per 2 square metres will be introduced indoors at hospitality venues and entertainment venues (except for cinemas and…