The Department of Justice and Community Safety is to be responsible for liquor regulation with a new Regulator established within the Department.
Announced by Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne, the transfer of power from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) to the newly established Liquor Control Victoria is the final step in separating the regulation of liquor and gambling in Victoria.
The changes were announced in January as part of the State’s response to the Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence.
Ms Horne said Liquor Control Victoria would play a vital role in helping to reduce liquor-related harm and ensure the liquor industry received the strongest regulatory oversight.
“Liquor Control Victoria comprises Victorian Liquor Commissioners and staff from the Department of Justice and Community Safety,” Ms Horne said.
“The new Regulator will perform a number of important functions, including undertaking licensing, approval, authorisation, and registration activities and monitoring and responding to breaches of liquor regulations.”
She said VGCCC would retain responsibility for gambling and casino oversight and had been provided with new powers to hold the casino operator to account, including to give inspectors greater access to books and surveillance equipment at the casino.
Ms Horne said further reforms that respond to all remaining Royal Commission recommendations were set to be introduced later this year.
