New Fee Structure - is it Worth the Risk?
As a part of Victoria's Alcohol Action Plan 2008 – 2013 (The VAAP) a new risk-based fee structure for liquor licence application and renewal fees will come into effect from 1 January 2010.
The fee structure has been developed so that venues which are deemed to be "higher risk venues" notably, large, late night venues will continue to pay the highest fees while smaller, earlier closing venues will pay relatively less.
The new risk-based fees will be calculated starting with a 'base fee' adding an 'operating hours risk fee' and multiplying this amount by a 'venue capacity' factor.
From 2011 a venue's compliance history will also be included in the assessment. Infringement penalties levied against the licensee will play a significant role in the calculation of the risk-based fees.
For more information on how the new fees will be calculated see the Annual Renewal Fees Fact Sheet on the Consumer Affairs website.
The new structure will result in large venues with long hours paying significantly higher annual renewal fees. We therefore recommend that licensees holding general or on-premises licences consider the following:
- Maximum patron numbers endorsed on the licence
- Permitted hours of operation
- History of compliance/non-compliance.
Hospitality Licensing and Gaming Department may be of assistance in advising with regard to questions you may have in relation to the new fee structure, a variation of your current licence conditions or any other licensing matter.