A restaurant in Armadale has been prosecuted by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regualtion (VCGLR) for selling liquor without a liquor licence.
VCGLR inspectors carried out a routine inspection at Torpe Espresso Pty Ltd and observed that the venue was offering and selling liquor without a valid licence.
Adam Ockwell, VCGLR’s Director Compliance said: “By failing to transfer the liquor licence from the previous owners or apply for a new licence, Torpe Espresso was found to be operating without a liquor licence. We issued charges against the venue’s owners who were in breach of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998.”
A hearing of the matter by the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court resulted in Torpe Espresso Pty Ltd being issued a Diversion Order requiring the licensee to donate $2000 to the Smith Family, pay $400 in legal costs, and be of good behaviour for a one-month period.
“We have invested in proactive licensing, compliance and education programs to ensure the liquor industry understands the legal requirements to operate,” Ockwell said.
“Our website has a wealth of information and is readily available for anyone unsure of their responsibilities. I encourage those involved in the industry to check our website regularly, subscribe to our monthly industry news and attend one of our many Liquor Forums held across the State.”
He added: “We take matters of non-compliance seriously and will take appropriate enforcement action, such as in the case of Torpe Espresso, when licensees break the rules.”
VCGLR inspectors monitor licensed premises throughout Victoria to ensure licensees comply with the conditions of their licence and effectively minimise gambling and liquor related harm.