Pubs Open Till 3 - And You Can Bring Your Best Friend

Labor’s new direction for the economy starts locally – with the pubs and local venues where we all love to go.

But right now, some of the rules for pubs aren’t commonsense and haven’t kept up with the times.

That’s why a re-elected Carroll Labor Government will change the rules for pubs.

Because more patrons through the door means more jobs for Victoria.

Pubs open late

Currently, pubs need to go through an onerous process to trade past 1am. Most never even try.

There is no good reason for it. Labor will change it.

Under Labor, every pub in Victoria will have the automatic right to trade to 3am.

Dogs can come

Publicans decide the music, the menu and the crowd. They should get to decide whether dogs are allowed inside.

Labor will amend the Food Act 1984 to overturn the ban of dogs inside pubs.

Consultation will determine the appropriate extent, like front bars, dining rooms, and whether food is being served.

But the principle is: let the pubs choose, not the bureaucrats.

Red tape cut

Labor will cut red tape for pubs to get business moving.

We’ll mandate a six-week decision timeframe for standard liquor licence applications – down from up to 11 weeks.

Public notification will start within two business days of lodgement.

Venues with a strong compliance history will have options for multi-year licences, plus conditional approvals so businesses can order stock and onboard staff before liquor sales begin.

We will work with Liquor Control Victoria and the Australian Hotels Association on the design.

On top of all that: simpler trading hour language, more flexible payment options, eased rules for under-18 staff clearing tables, and a review to allow more all-ages gigs.

Labor will also create a dedicated VicSmart planning pathway for low-impact works like fit-outs and renovations.

It means pubs can do simple renos in ten business days, rather than waiting ten months for council to tick.

Pubs know what they’re doing – Labor backs them.

A Liberal-One Nation Coalition will unwind Labor’s planning reforms and back the NIMBYs who shut down pubs.

Quotes attributable to Premier Ben Carroll

“Pubs know what they are doing, and these are commonsense decisions to let them get on with business.”

"Victoria has best pubs in the country – let’s keep them that way.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Enver Erdogan

“These changes are sensible, and in line with modern community expectations around how pubs should work.”