The State Government and the Director of Liquor Licensing have implemented a 3 month trial that will prevent licensees from allowing patrons to enter their venues after 2am. The effect of the restriction is that people who are already in the venue by 2am can stay in the venue until it shuts but no new patrons can enter.
The restrictions will commence on the 3rd of June 2008 which means patrons out on Monday the 2nd June will be able remain in a venue until closing but will not be able to enter a venue after 2am.
During the 3 month trial late entry restriction will only apply in the local government areas Port Phillip, Stonnington, Melbourne (including Docklands) and Yarra. In addition to specific premises in Warrnambool, Ballarat, Bendigo and Traralgon.
The late entry restriction will apply to all on-premises and general licenses within the relevant area. This means that all pubs, bars and nightclubs will be affected. An exemption has been granted to restaurants, the floor of Crown Casino and club licenses such as RSLs.
Licensees who breach the late entry restriction by allowing people into their venues after 2am will face fines of up to $6800.
If your restaurant does not have restaurant conditions on your licence but wish to trade as a restaurant and allow new patrons to enter after 2amyou will be required to vary your licence to include restaurant conditions. You must apply to the Director of Licensing to add restaurant conditions. The advertising period for this license change has been reduced from 28 days to 14 days to allow for any applications to be considered before or during the 3 month lockout.
Around 440 venues are directly affected by this trail.
