The state branch of the Australian Hotels Association says changes to liquor licences will lead to cost savings for local publicans.
From Tuesday, businesses applying for a liquor licence will still be required to obtain approval from Liquor Control Victoria, but not local councils.
The former measures affected local businesses, including Lola Ballarat, who were left without a licence for weeks.
CEO of the Australian Hotels Association Victoria, Paddy O’Sullivan, says the measure reduces red tape.
“It streamlines the process, and it shoots confidence back into the hospitality sector,” he said.
“If [hospitality business owners] are considering investing money in renovating or a new property perhaps, it’ll be a much more streamlined process [with] less time delays and less cost delays.”
