Strip clubs to face licensing review

The Victorian Government is still hitting out at nightclubs, and at strip nightclubs in particular. The Government has ordered a review of Melbourne's table top dancing bars and is considering new liquor restrictions for venues offering sexually explicit services, according to The Shout.

Tony Robinson, Victorian minister for Consumer Affairs, said "It’s interesting that with brothels we don’t allow alcohol on the premises ... but it seems we blur that distinction a bit with [strip] venues".

Peter Iwanuik, owner of strip clubs Men's Gallery and Centrefold Lounge, described the move as a knee-jerk reaction. “They clearly haven’t learned from the 2:00am lockout fiasco. It is irresponsible and anti-community.”

Source: The Shout

Herald Sun: Lockout pushed back to 3am

The Herald Sun is running a story that the 2am lockout could be moved back an hour, to create a permanent 3am lockout across Victoria. Tony Robinson, Consumer Affairs Minister, is said to be considering the option while John Brumby, Premier, said no decision would be made ahead of an evaluation of the existing trial. The Herald Sun believes a 3am lockout is "backed by key sections of the liquor industry".

Source: Herald Sun 1 & 2

Checking on pubs

The Herald Sun has received a tip-off that a special unit of compliance inspectors will this year be hired to work for the liquor section of Consumer Affairs Victoria, formed by the State Government. The Sun states compliance inspectors have not been used for many years, relying on over-worked police to inspect venues.

Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said The Government was considering a number of proposals when contacted by reporters.

Source: Herald Sun

Alcohol banned at video stores

Two years after Movie Paradise in Pascoe Vale South won the right to sell alcohol, the State Government has introduced new laws preventing video stores from being given a liquor license without direct ministerial approval. Movie Paradise is currently the only video store in Victoria with a license, which it obtained when the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) overturned a Liquor Licensing decision refusing to license the store in July 2005. The new laws will not be retroactively introduced, and Movie Paradise can continue to sell alcohol.

Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said research suggested minors exposed to liquor at outlets such as video stores may associate it with family entertainment. The Herald Sun reports he said the new laws would give parents peace of mind.

Let's just hope the kiddies don't see the X-rated adult titles while at the video store - as they might not give parents peace of mind either.

Source: Herald Sun