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Liquor licensing polls

Specific parts of the cities of Boroondara and Whitehorse require the approval of residents before a liquor licence can be granted. Residents are asked to simply vote 'yes' or 'no' to decide if a licence to sell liquor should be granted.

The VEC conducts these liquor licensing polls in accordance with the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998.

How are liquor licensing polls conducted?Top

Only enrolled residents in the neighbourhood of the establishment requesting the liquor licence are required to vote. The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR, external link) determines the neighbourhood boundaries for each poll.

In most cases, liquor licensing polls are run via a postal vote. Notices of the poll are placed in local newspapers and ballot packs are automatically sent to every enrolled voter within the neighbourhood boundary. The ballot paper must be returned by polling day, which is clearly identified on each ballot pack.

The votes are counted and if the majority of voters (half of the number of formal votes plus one) vote 'yes', a liquor licence is granted.

Do I have to vote in liquor licensing polls?Top

Voting in liquor licensing polls is compulsory for all voters enrolled in the licensing poll neighborhood. Voters who fail to vote without a valid excuse may be fined.