By Andy Young
A new liquor accord, made up entirely of bottle shops, has been created in the City of Greater Geelong and is the first of its kind in Victoria.
The accord has been approved by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) and it is a collaborative partnership between 60 liquor licensees, Victoria Police, the VCGLR and community stakeholders. The accord aims to promote the responsible service, sale and consumption of alcohol in the Greater Geelong area.
Packaged liquor licensees including ALDI, BWS, Bottlemart, Dan Murphy's, IGA, Thirsty Camel and other independent operators have signed up agreeing to undertake extra measures to prevent minors from purchasing alcohol and reduce alcohol-related violence and amenity issues.
Agreements include sharing information on banned or troublesome patrons and refusing entry to minors. A banning notice prohibits an individual from re-entering any store in the accord for 12 months.
The VCGLR said: "There are over 80 local liquor forums operating in Victoria. A forum is a meeting of gambling and liquor industry representatives and interested community members who meet regularly to develop strategies to improve the operation of licensed premises and reduce alcohol-related harm and gambling issues in their local area.
"Forums may be formalised with the establishment of a liquor accord; a written document that sets out specific aims, actions, objectives and strategies addressing local alcohol-related problems. It may also include responsible gambling initiatives."
Anyone wanting more information on liquor forums and accords in Victoria should visit the VCGLR website.