Victorian Labor has pledged to allow pubs to stay open until 3am and permit dogs inside venues at publicans' discretion if re-elected in November, alongside a $3 million Regional Brewery Fund and reduced liquor licence wait times, aiming to boost the state's hospitality and night-time economy.
AI-generated summary
Labor is seeking re-election in the Victorian state election in November and has introduced a series of pledges targeting the hospitality and night-time economy, including extended pub hours and support for breweries and live music.
In short:
Labor is pledging to give pubs the right to stay open until 3am if it wins the Victorian election in November.
The state's Food Act would be changed so that dogs will also be allowed inside pubs at the discretion of publicans.
It follows Labor's announcement this week to establish a Regional Brewery Fund.
Victoria's pubs will be allowed to stay open until 3am under a pledge by the Victorian government if it is re-elected in November.
The move is part of a suite of election pledges designed to stimulate Victoria's hospitality sector and night-time economy.
Under the changes, pubs will no longer have to go through what the government is calling an "onerous" process to trade past 1am and will have an automatic right to trade until 3am.
Labor said it would also amend the Food Act to overturn the ban on dogs inside pubs.
The government said it would be up to publicans to decide whether to allow dogs inside their venues and consultation would decide whether they are allowed where food is being served.
Labor is also promising to reduce the wait time for standard liquor licence applications from 11 weeks down to six.
Venues with a strong compliance history will have options to apply for multi-year licences.
Premier Ben Carroll said the changes would make life easier for pub owners.
"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. "
The announcement comes days after the government committed $3 million towards a Regional Brewery Fund designed to support beer tourism.
The fund is being developed along with the Independent Brewers Association to help breweries improve accessibility, signage, marketing and infrastructure.
Labor also announced a $2 million fund to support live music festivals and regional cultural festivals, and will allocate $4 million to support promoters to bring musical acts to regional centres.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Labor will win the November Victorian election and implement the proposed pub hour and dog access changes
Possible · Within months
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