LIQUOR LICENCE FEE HIKE BITES

Liquor licensees are now starting to receive new Liquor Licence/Permit Renewal Notices and they are outraged by the increases, Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said today.

Dr Sykes said the reaction by liquor licensees to the Renewal Notices highlights the unfair burden the new fee hike places on country pubs and clubs, liquor outlets and other businesses.

Dr Sykes said due to the mass outcry in the country, Labor has been forced to rethink its fees, and although the new proposals provide some concessions, the revised fee structure is still very poorly thought through.

“My office has been contacted this week by a Rutherglen vineyard who advised their Vignerons license fee has increased by 75% to $397.

“Of increased concern is the increase of over 300% for a temporary licence, which the vineyard needs to sell wine at the occasional harvest festival and farmers’ market.”

Dr Sykes said a vineyard near Myrtleford also advised him that their Limited Renewal licence has increased from $150 to $400.

“This is an outrageous increase as this particular vineyard sells the odd case of wine via mail.”

Dr Sykes said the full impact of the liquor licence fee increases is now starting to be realised by country businesses throughout Victoria.

“Country pubs and vineyards, with no infringements, will be slugged under the new system and venues holding restricted club licences, such as those used by bowls clubs, will face a fee hike of more than 1,000 per cent.

Dr Sykes said that some months ago he had invited the Minister for Consumer Affairs to visit North East Victoria to hear first hand how the proposed liquor licence fee changes will affect country pubs.

“I could not take Mohammed to the mountain, so on Thursday 26 November I am bringing the mountain to Mohammed, when a deputation of liquor licensees will meet with the Minister for Consumer Affairs at Parliament House.

“The purpose of the meeting is to provide licensees an opportunity to outline the impact of the new fees on their businesses to the Minister and to lobby for further modifications of the fee structure to more accurately reflect the risks.

“The Minister needs to listen to the concerns as raised by liquor licensees and ensure that a fairer system be put in place.”

Dr Sykes said he will table further signatures on Liquor Licence Fee petitions when Parliament resumes on November 23, which now total over 5,000.