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Liquor licence enforcement actions and outcomes

How we are applying and enforcing the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998.

On this page

We may take enforcement action when a licence or permit holder breaches:

Enforcement action helps:

Escalating enforcement actions

When a breach is detected, our enforcement action depends on the seriousness of the issue and the licensee’s compliance history.

The action can escalate from early interventions, such as risk management discussions and warning notices, to more serious actions such as:

The Victorian Liquor Commission hears serious matters, including disciplinary action inquiries that can lead to severe penalties.

In the most serious cases, penalties can include:

Types of enforcement action

Open all

This is a meeting between our inspectors and a licensee to talk about potential risks to customers or staff.

It focuses on preventing problems, not dealing with breaches of the Act or licence conditions. It may be used alongside other enforcement actions.

This is a written letter to a licensee that records a breach that we detected during an inspection.

It’s usually used when the licensee plans to fix the issue, giving them the chance to resolve it before we take further enforcement action.

A penalty infringement notice (PIN) is a fine issued to a licensee for breaking liquor laws or licence conditions.

It’s usually used when:

Explore the full list of offences and fines.

This is a formal letter telling the licence or permit holder that their licence may be suspended.

It sets out the reasons why we are considering a suspension and gives the licensee a chance to respond.

For example, they may respond by providing evidence of how they are fixing the issue within a set time.

If they do not respond, we may suspend the licence.

Injunctions are a legal order, made by a court, that require a person or company to:

For example, the Commission might apply to the court for an injunction to stop a nightclub’s ‘all you can drink’ promotion.

Current injunctions

Galaxy KTV & Bar

In November 2025, the Magistrates’ Court granted an injunction, under section 133I of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, to strengthen controls over liquor supply, improve customer safety and increase monitoring at licensed karaoke venue Galaxy KTV & Bar.

The injunction imposes strict conditions on the venue and comes after enforcement activity by Liquor Control Victoria found the venue had contravened its licence obligations.

The injunction remains in force until the Victorian Liquor Commission has concluded its disciplinary inquiry to determine whether there are grounds for disciplinary action against the licensee.

Undertakings

An undertaking is a legal agreement between the Commission and a licensee, used instead of other enforcement action.

The licensee agrees to take extra steps to manage a risk. In return, the Commission will not act on the issue.

If the undertaking is breached, the matter can go to a hearing and lead to stronger penalties.

Date of undertaking Licensee About the undertaking
11 December 2025 24 Plus Entertainment Pty Ltd On 18 November 2025, the Commission commenced an inquiry to determine whether there are grounds for disciplinary action against the licensee of the premises known as 24 Club, located at 229 Queensberry Street, Carlton 3053. Without any admission of liability, and to address the Commission’s concerns regarding public safety, harm minimisation, and the responsible service of alcohol, the licensee gave an undertaking, which is in effect until the final determination of the inquiry.Read the undertaking.
22 September 2025 Legg and Hicks Enterprises Pty Ltd Requirement to commission an audit of the venue’s liquor policies and procedures within 6 months, present findings to the Commission and implement any audit recommendations within one month. Donate at least $10,000 to Windana Drug and Alcohol Recovery, or another agreed charity, within 3 months.Read the undertaking.
30 December 2024 ANDZAK Pty Limited Complying with limitations on providing live music entertainment.Read the undertaking.
9 December 2024 ALDI Stores Requirement to notify the Commission if any ALDI stores in Victoria resume the practice of enabling liquor to be sold through self checkouts.Read the undertaking.
22 November 2024 Twothreeone Pty Ltd Requirement to notify the Commission if the licensee intends to provide sexually explicit entertainment.Read the undertaking.
2 August 2024 Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group Pty Limited Compliance with certain requirements by 29 July 2025.Read the undertaking.
24 January 2024 Rapture Ent Group Pty Ltd Requirements around crowd controllers and amplified music.Read the undertaking.

Criminal prosecutions

Criminal prosecution is court action the Commission takes when an investigation uncovers serious or deliberate breaches of liquor laws or licence conditions.

Offences involving unlicensed sale of alcohol or dishonesty will go to court.

Inspectors may also issue criminal charges if either:

Cases are heard in the Magistrates’ Court.

In the summaries:

2026 prosecutions

The Wine Concierge Services Pty Ltd

Court date

23 March 2026

Offence

Sell liquor and offer for sale without a licence (42 charges).

Outcome

Aggregate $80,000 fine with conviction.

Summary

The Wine Concierge Services Pty Ltd (TWCS) operated a website through which they sold wine in addition to its extensive telemarketing operation, offering liquor for sale and allowing customers to complete purchases. They previously held liquor licenses which were both surrendered and cancelled.

Between 4 October 2024 and 27 May 2025, whilst unlicensed, TWCS continued their operations of selling liquor whilst also conducting an aggressive method of telephone sales. They utilised chatbots to call telephone numbers at random to attempt sales and so the many requests to cease calls were not honoured. They utilised many telephone numbers so call recipients were unable to block the calls.

Vulnerable people such as children under 10, elderly and recovering alcoholics were among the potentially thousands of call recipients. Numerous complaints were made to LCV as well as other regulators. More than 1,400 liquor sales were made.

The Magistrates’ Court found all charges proven and imposed an aggregate fine of $80,000 with conviction.

Haryana & Punjab Group Pty Ltd, formerly t/a Magic City

Court date

9 January 2026

Offence
Outcome

Fine of $5,000 (without conviction) plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Haryana & Punjab Group Pty Ltd held a late night (general) liquor licence for Magic City in South Yarra. Liquor inspectors attended the venue on 22 and 31 December 2024 and observed liquor being supplied.

An ASIC extract showed the accused had appointed 5 directors without the Commissions’ approval between 16 August 2024 and 23 December 2024. It is a condition of every licence held by a company that a person must not be appointed as, or otherwise become, a director without the Commission’s approval. It is also an offence for a company that is a licensee to appoint a person as, or allow a person to become, a director without the Commission’s approval.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and ordered the accused to pay a fine of $5,000 (without conviction) plus the Commission’s prosecution costs.

2025 prosecutions

Legg and Hicks Enterprises Pty Ltd t/a Pink Lemonade Melbourne (aka Pink Lemonade)

Court date

1 December 2025

Offence
Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $4,000 (aggregate), with conviction (s107(1)). Fined $1,000 (aggregate), with conviction (s108(1)).

Summary

Legg and Hicks Enterprises Pty Ltd applied for a permanent liquor licence for a venue in Richmond in December 2022.

The licence was granted to Legg and Hicks Enterprises Pty Ltd in March 2023, subject to a special condition that prohibited one of the directors, amongst other things, from participating in the management or control of the premises or being a signatory to, or having any direction or control of, any financial account held by Legg and Hicks Enterprises Pty Ltd.

However, an investigation undertaken by LCV found that Legg and Hicks Enterprises Pty Ltd supplied liquor on the premises without a liquor licence on various dates between September and November 2022. The investigation also found that on 20 January 2023, the prohibited director was the guarantor on the lease, the contact person with various third-party suppliers and identified himself as the owner of the premises.

Legg and Hicks Enterprises Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to offering or selling liquor without a licence and supplying liquor in breach of a licence condition. The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and ordered the accused to pay aggregate fines of $5,000.

Tanya McAlpin t/a Old Faithfulls & Co

Court date

20 November 2025

Offence

Supply liquor to a person who is in a state of intoxication (s108(4)(a)).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Matter adjourned on condition of good behaviour until 19 May 2026. Ordered to donate $750 to the Centre Against Violence and pay the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Tanya McAlpin was the licensee of the venue trading as Old Faithfulls & Co in Wangaratta.

In June 2024, liquor inspectors attended the venue and observed a male customer, who was with a group of males, displaying signs of intoxication. The male was off-balance, his speech was slurred, he appeared confused at times and his co-ordination was noticeably affected. The inspectors observed the male being supplied with liquor on multiple occasions during their attendance. Ms Alpin later confirmed that she had served the male in question.

Ms McAlpin pleaded guilty to supplying liquor to an intoxicated person. The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven and the matter was adjourned to 19 May 2026 on the condition of good behaviour. Ms McAlpin was ordered to donate $750 to the Centre Against Violence and pay the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Clark Happy Days Pty Ltd, formerly t/a Cunningham’s Hotel (aka Cunningham’s Irish Hotel)

Court Date

27 October 2025

Offence

Permitting another person to carry on a business of supplying liquor on the licensed premises without consent (s106(1)(a)).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $3,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Clark Happy Days Pty Ltd held the general liquor licence for Cunningham’s Irish Hotel at Yarra Junction.

In December 2022, the business was sold to Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd. After settlement, Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd operated the venue and supplied liquor while the licence remained in the name of Clark Happy Days Pty Ltd. Liquor Inspectors observed liquor being supplied on several occasions between February and November 2023 by Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd without a licence. Financial records showed proceeds from liquor sales alternately going either directly to Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd or being received by Clark Happy Days Pty Ltd and manually transferred to Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd.

Clark Happy Days Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to permitting Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd to carry on a business of supplying liquor at Cunnigham’s Irish Hotel without the Commission’s consent. The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven and ordered the accused to pay a fine of $3,000 and the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Gail Ketelaar, director of company formerly t/a Cunningham’s Hotel (aka Cunningham’s Irish Hotel)

Court Date

27 October 2025

Offence
Outcome

Guilty plea. Matter adjourned on condition of good behaviour until 16 January 2026. Ordered to pay the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Clark Happy Days Pty Ltd held the general liquor licence for Cunningham’s Irish Hotel at Yarra Junction. In December 2022, its sole director, Ms Gail Ketelaar, sold the business to Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd.

After settlement, Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd operated the venue and supplied liquor while the licence remained in the name of Clark Happy Days Pty Ltd. Liquor Inspectors observed liquor being supplied on several occasions between February and November 2023 by Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd without a licence. Financial records showed proceeds from liquor sales alternately going either directly to Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd or being received by Clark Happy Days Pty Ltd and manually transferred to Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd.

In addition, Ms Ketelaar failed to fully comply with a notice to produce records, requested by liquor inspectors under s130 of the Act.

Ms Ketelaar pleaded guilty to permitting Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd to carry on a business of supplying liquor at Cunnigham’s Irish Hotel without the Commission’s consent and to failing to fully comply with a notice to produce. The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven, adjourned the matter until 16 January 2026 on the condition of good behaviour, and ordered the accused to pay the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd t/a Cunningham’s Hotel (aka Cunningham’s Irish Hotel)

Court Date

27 October 2025

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $4,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Clark Happy Days Pty Ltd held the general liquor licence for Cunningham’s Irish Hotel at Yarra Junction.

In December 2022, the business was sold to Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd. After settlement, Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd operated the premises and supplied liquor while the licence remained in the name of Clark Happy Days Pty Ltd. Liquor Inspectors observed liquor being supplied on several occasions between February and November 2023 by Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd without a licence. Financial records showed proceeds from liquor sales alternately going either directly to Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd or being received by Clark Happy Days Pty Ltd and manually transferred to Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd.

Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to offering or selling liquor without a licence. The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven and ordered the accused to pay a fine of $4,000 and the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Rhonda Aksionov, director of company t/a Cunningham’s Hotel (aka Cunningham’s Irish Hotel)

Court Date

27 October 2025

Offence
Outcome

Guilty plea. Matter adjourned on condition of good behaviour until 10 March 2027. Ordered to pay the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Clark Happy Days Pty Ltd held the general liquor licence for Cunningham’s Irish Hotel at Yarra Junction.

In December 2022, the business was sold to Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd, with Ms Rhonda Aksionov as sole director. After settlement, Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd operated the premises and supplied liquor while the licence remained in the name of Clark Happy Days Pty Ltd. Liquor Inspectors observed liquor being supplied on several occasions between February and November 2023 by Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd without a licence. Financial records showed proceeds from liquor sales alternately going either directly to Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd or being received by Clark Happy Days Pty Ltd and manually transferred to Cunnos Trading Pty Ltd.

The transfer application for the licence was not created until November 2023. Ms Aksionov’s declaration in the transfer application omitted the names of family members involved in the business, rendering her declaration false or misleading. In addition, Ms Aksionov failed to fully comply with a notice to produce records, requested by liquor inspectors under s130 of the Act.

Ms Aksionov pleaded guilty to offering or selling liquor without a licence, failing to comply with a notice to produce and making false or misleading statements. The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven. It adjourned the matter until 10 March 2027 on the condition of good behaviour and ordered the accused to pay the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Aulement Pty Ltd t/a Grandma’s Dumpling Kitchen

Court date

7 October 2025

Offence
Outcome

Guilty plea. Matter adjourned on condition of good behaviour for 12 months. Ordered to pay the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Aulement Pty Ltd operated an unlicensed restaurant trading as Grandma’s Dumpling Kitchen. The company applied for a licence in November 2023.

On 1 March 2024, liquor inspectors observed signage outside the premises stating ‘BYO and Fully Licensed’. An inspection on 21 March 2024 found the same wording printed on its menus. These representations falsely indicated that the venue was licensed when its application was still pending approval.

On 8 March 2024, LCV issued a notice to produce under section 130 of the Act, requiring the company to provide business, financial and employment records by 22 March 2024. The company failed to comply without reasonable excuse.

The accused company pleaded guilty. The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven, imposing an adjourned undertaking on good behaviour for 12 months. The accused was ordered to pay the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Ryan Tovey t/a Little Lucy’s Lounge

Court date

2 October 2025

Offence
Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $4,000, with conviction, plus pay part of the Commission’s costs.

Summary

In January 2024, Ryan Tovey purchased a live music and rehearsal venue in Sunbury, which he renamed Little Lucy’s Lounge. He lodged an application to transfer the liquor licence from the previous owner, but the transfer was refused due to concerns about his suitability to hold a licence.

In November 2024, liquor inspectors attended the venue and found it open to the public and supplying liquor without a valid licence. Documents obtained under section 130(1)(a) of the Act showed electronic liquor sales and related bank deposits to Mr Tovey’s account.

Mr Tovey pleaded guilty to one charge of offering liquor for sale and one charge of selling liquor while not a licensee, both in breach of section 107(1) of the Act. The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven, convicted Mr Tovey, imposed an aggregate fine of $4,000 and ordered him to pay part of the Commission’s prosecution costs.

A & J Port Fairy Pty Ltd t/a Sidro Bar & Restaurant (aka Sidro Lounge, Bar & Dining)

Court date

4 September 2025

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $4,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

In August 2024, a liquor inspector attended a hotel in Port Fairy and identified that A & J Port Fairy Pty Ltd was operating a business there that involved the supply of liquor. A check of LCV records confirmed that A & J Port Fairy Pty Ltd did not hold a liquor licence for the premises and had not applied to transfer the licence.

Following the inspection, A & J Port Fairy Pty Ltd ceased to supply liquor at the venue. However, information gathered in response to statutory notices confirmed that A & J Port Fairy Pty Ltd did purchase and sell liquor at the venue without a licence from August 2023 to August 2024.

A & J Port Fairy Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to offering or selling liquor without a licence. The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven and ordered the accused to pay a fine of $4,000 (without conviction) plus the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Jemmah Lambevski, director of company t/a Sidro Bar & Restaurant (aka Sidro Lounge, Bar & Dining)

Court date

4 September 2025

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $4,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Ms Jemmah Lambevski was one of the directors of A & J Port Fairy Pty Ltd.

In August 2024, a liquor inspector attended a hotel in Port Fairy and identified that A & J Port Fairy Pty Ltd were operating a business there that involved the supply of liquor. Ms Lambevski, and the other director, had planned to take over the business from the existing licensee. However no application to transfer the licence had been made. In addition, Ms Lambevski made no enquiries with LCV about making a transfer application.

Following the inspection, A & J Port Fairy ceased to supply liquor at the venue. However, information gathered in response to statutory notices confirmed that A & J Port Fairy Pty Ltd did purchase and sell liquor at the venue without a licence from August 2023 to August 2024.

Ms Lambevski pleaded guilty to offering or selling liquor without a licence. The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven and ordered the accused to pay a fine of $3,000 (without conviction) plus the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Alexandra Richardson, director of company t/a Sidro Bar & Restaurant (aka Sidro Lounge, Bar & Dining)

Court date

4 September 2025

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $4,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Ms Alexandra Richardson was one of the directors of A & J Port Fairy Pty Ltd.

In August 2024, a liquor inspector attended a hotel in Port Fairy and identified that A & J Port Fairy Pty Ltd were operating a business there that involved the supply of liquor.

Ms Richardson, and the other director, had planned to take over the business from the existing licensee, however no application to transfer the licence had been made. In addition, Ms Richardson made no enquiries with LCV about making a transfer application.

Following the inspection, A & J Port Fairy ceased to supply liquor at the venue. However, information gathered in response to statutory notices confirmed that A & J Port Fairy Pty Ltd did purchase and sell liquor at the venue without a licence from August 2023 to August 2024.

Ms Richardson pleaded guilty to offering or selling liquor without a licence. The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven and ordered the accused to pay a fine of $3,000 (without conviction) plus the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Gizaa Holdings Pty Ltd

Court date

2 September 2025

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Fined $5,000, with conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Between March and August 2024, proceeds of liquor sales at a licensed venue trading as El Giza Bar and Lounge were diverted to Gizaa Holdings Pty Ltd.

El Giza Pty Ltd is the licensee company which holds the liquor licence. While the director of Gizaa Holdings was also the sole director of El Giza Pty Ltd, Gizaa Holdings Pty Ltd does not, and has never held, a liquor licence for El Giza Bar and Lounge.

Gizaa Holdings Pty Ltd operated as a de facto liquor supplier at El Giza Bar and Lounge while legally unauthorised to do so. By selling liquor without a licence, Gizaa Holdings Pty Ltd breached section 107(1) of the Act.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and ordered the accused to pay a fine of $5,000 (with conviction) and the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Rachelle Watson

Court date

7 August 2025

Offence
Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $3,500, without conviction.

Summary

Rachelle Watson was issued a major event licence for the Laneway Festival at the Flemington Racecourse, held in February 2024. The licence required, amongst other things, that all customers under 18 must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a responsible adult.

Liquor inspectors attended the festival and observed minors entering with a friend or boyfriend, rather than a responsible adult. In addition, the wristbands or IDs of customers approaching a bar were not being checked as required by the licence.

Customers who were typically 18 or 19 years old were observed queuing up for drinks and then passing drinks to minors within close vicinity of the bars. Ms Watson was advised of the concerns on the day and intervened when a liquor inspector attempted to speak to a group of minors.

Ms Watson entered a plea of guilty. The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and ordered the accused to pay an aggregate fine of $3,500 (without conviction).

The Syndicate Group (Oceania) Pty Ltd t/a On Third Day (aka The Third Day)

Court date

5 June 2025

Offence

Supplying liquor not in accordance with licence (s108(1)) (2 charges).

Outcome

Fined $2,308, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

During an inspection of the licensed venue trading as On Third Day, liquor inspectors observed only 3 crowd controllers present, when there were more than 300 customers at the venue. Due to the licence condition requiring 2 crowd controllers for the first 100 customers, and one crowd controller for every subsequent 100 customers, there should have been 4 crowd controllers at the time of the inspection.

In addition, liquor inspectors observed customers drinking alcohol in a courtyard area that was outside the venue’s red line plan. The supply of liquor was not in accordance with the licence held by the accused company.

The Magistrates’ Court found the 2 charges proven, imposed a fine of $2,308 without conviction and ordered the accused to pay the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Small Boots Pty Ltd t/a Small Boots

Court date

4 June 2025

Offence
Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $6,000, without conviction, plus part of the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Small Boots Pty Ltd sold Small Boots-branded wine online, at events, and directly to other businesses without holding a liquor licence. Dale Gaskell-Kharsas was the company’s sole director.

Following a tip-off, inspectors attended an event in August 2024 and obtained documents, under section 130(1)(a) of the Act, showing further unlicensed sales. The company pleaded guilty to 2 charges under section 107(1) of the Act.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven, imposed a $6,000 fine without conviction and ordered the accused to pay part of the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Dale Gaskell-Kharsas (director of company t/a Small Boots)

Court date

4 June 2025

Offence
Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $6,000, without conviction, plus part of the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Dale Gaskell-Kharsas, sole director of Small Boots Pty Ltd, sold Small Boots wine online, at events and to other businesses without holding a liquor licence.

Following a tip-off, liquor inspectors observed the accused trading wine from a Small Boots branded stand at an event in August 2024. The inspectors obtained documents, under section 130(1)(a) of the Act, showing further sales through a website, at another event and to other businesses such as bottle shops, bars and restaurants.

Mr Gaskell-Kharsas pleaded guilty to 2 charges, of selling liquor without a licence and offering liquor without a licence, both in breach of section 107(1) of the Act. The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven, imposed a $6,000 fine without conviction and ordered the accused to pay part of the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Anchor 9 Pty Ltd t/a Defiance Distillery

Court date

24 April 2025

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $1,500, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Anchor 9 Pty Ltd was trading as Defiance Distillery. In November 2021, we received an anonymous complaint alleging that Defiance Distillery were offering liquor in Victoria without a licence.

Anchor 9 Pty Ltd were operating from a storage and production facility in Pakenham and relied on a NSW wholesaler and producer licence. Despite us notifying the accused that the NSW licence did not permit their proposed business in Victoria, Anchor 9 Pty Ltd continued to offer and sell liquor on their website and at local markets from October 2022 to October 2023.

Anchor 9 Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to offering or selling liquor without a licence. The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and ordered the accused to pay a fine of $1,500 (without conviction) plus the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Emma Goethe-Hooper, director of company t/a Defiance Distillery

Court date

24 April 2025

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107) (2 charges).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Matter adjourned on condition of good behaviour until 23 April 2026. Ordered to pay the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Emma Goethe-Hooper was one of the directors of Anchor 9 Pty Ltd, trading as Defiance Distillery. In November 2021, we received an anonymous complaint alleging that Defiance Distillery were offering liquor in Victoria without a licence.

Anchor 9 Pty Ltd were operating from a storage and production facility in Pakenham and relied on a NSW wholesaler and producer licence. Despite us notifying the accused that the NSW licence did not permit their proposed business in Victoria, Anchor 9 Pty Ltd continued to offer and sell liquor on their website and at local markets from October 2022 to October 2023. Ms Goethe-Hooper attended some of the markets on behalf of Defiance Distillery.

Emma Goethe-Hooper pleaded guilty to offering or selling liquor without a licence. The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and the matter was adjourned to 23 April 2026 on the condition of good behaviour. The accused was ordered to pay the Commission’s prosecution costs.

David Goethe-Hooper, director of company t/a Defiance Distillery

Court date

24 April 2025

Offence
Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $3,000 fine, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

David Goethe-Hooper was one of the directors of Anchor 9 Pty Ltd, trading as Defiance Distillery. In November 2021, we received an anonymous complaint alleging that Defiance Distillery were offering liquor in Victoria without a licence.

Anchor 9 Pty Ltd were operating from a storage and production facility in Pakenham and relied on a NSW wholesaler and producer licence. Despite us notifying the accused that the NSW licence did not permit their proposed business in Victoria, Anchor 9 Pty Ltd continued to offer and sell liquor on their website and at local markets from October 2022 to October 2023.

Mr Goethe-Hooper was responsible for setting up the business and arranging attendance at the markets. During the investigation, a statutory notice was issued to Mr Goethe-Hooper requesting information regarding the business. He did not comply with the notice.

Mr Goethe-Hooper pleaded guilty to offering or selling liquor without a licence and failing to produce the requested documents. The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and ordered the accused to pay a fine of $3,500 (without conviction) plus the Commission’s costs.

St Salvador Pty Ltd t/a Beach 162

Court date

20 February 2025

Offence

Supplying liquor not in accordance with licence (s108(1)).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $5,000, without conviction.

Summary

In 2015, a restaurant and cafe liquor licence was transferred to St Salvador Pty Ltd for a Frankston venue. The licence included a condition that an identified individual must not participate in the management or control of the business.

However, an investigation conducted by LCV found that the prohibited individual identified herself as the owner of the venue in separate social media posts. She was the main contact person for multiple third parties and had authority over financial accounts of the business, therefore breaching the licence condition.

St Salvador Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to supplying liquor in breach of a licence condition. The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and ordered the accused to pay a fine of $5,000 (without conviction).

Jamila Dib, director of company t/a Beach 162

Court date

20 February 2025

Offence

Failing to comply with a notice to produce (s130E(b)).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Matter adjourned on condition of good behaviour until 19 February 2026.

Summary

Jamila Dib was the sole director of St Salvador Pty Ltd. In 2015, a restaurant and cafe liquor licence was transferred to St Salvador Pty Ltd for a Frankston venue. The licence included a condition that an identified individual must not participate in the management or control of the business.

LCV conducted an investigation into St Salavador Pty Ltd and its compliance with the special condition. As part of this investigation, Mr Dib was issued with a statutory notice requiring him to produce various CCTV footage and documents. Mr Dib failed to produce all CCTV footage and documents requested.

Ms Dib pleaded guilty to failing to produce the requested documents. The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven and adjourned the matter to 19 February 2026 on the condition of good behaviour.

Ryan’s Family Hotel Pty Ltd t/a Hotel Traralgon (also known as Ryan’s Hotel)

Court date

10 February 2025

Offence

Supplying liquor not in accordance with licence (s108(1)).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $1,500, with conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Ryan’s Family Hotel Pty Ltd, holding a late night (general) licence in Traralgon, supplied liquor to more customers than their licence allowed.

Inspectors discovered the breach during a routine unannounced inspection on 25 September 2022. The company pleaded guilty to supplying liquor not in accordance with the licence, in breach of section 108(1) of the Act.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven, issued a conviction and imposed a fine of $1,500 plus the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Peter Jackson, director of company t/a The Esplanade Café

Court date

15 January 2025

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $1,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

On 12 April 2024, liquor inspectors detected unlicensed selling of liquor during routine inspections of licensed premises in the local area. Peter Jackson was the sole owner and manager of the venue, with extensive experience in the hospitality industry.

At the time of the offence, the accused had applied to transfer to him the liquor licence held by the previous lessee. That application was still pending.

The accused pleaded guilty to offering or selling liquor without a licence. The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven and imposed a fine of $1,000 plus the Commission’s prosecution costs.

2024 prosecutions

Emerson Holdings (Aust) Pty Ltd t/a The Emerson (aka The Emerson Rooftop Bar and Club)

Court date

12 December 2024

Offence

Supplying liquor not in accordance with licence (s108(1)).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $1,000 without conviction.

Summary

Emerson Holdings (Aust) Pty Ltd, holding a late night (general) licence for a South Yarra venue, allowed more customers to be at the venue than permitted under the maximum patron capacity of their licence. Inspectors identified the breach during a routine unannounced inspection on 19 August 2023.

The licensee pleaded guilty to supplying liquor in a way that breached the licence conditions.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven and imposed a $1,000 fine.

Nuzzon Pty Ltd t/a Nuzzon International

Court date

9 December 2024

Offence
Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $27,500 (aggregate) with conviction.

Summary

Nuzzon Pty Ltd continued selling liquor at a Springvale venue after their licence had expired in early 2023. Despite being notified in May 2023 that the licence had expired, the company continued trading without obtaining a new licence.

The accused also failed to provide documents to inspectors when requested and provided false information. The accused pleaded guilty to 3 offences: offer or sell liquor without a licence, failing to respond to notices and making false statements.

The Magistrates’ Court found all charges proven and imposed an aggregate fine of $27,500.

Douglas Kerr, director of company t/a Peasant (aka Peasant Gastronomy)

Court date

26 November 2024

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $2,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Mr Kerr was one of the directors of Peasant Gastronomy Pty Ltd. In November 2023, inspectors investigated a complaint that Peasant Gastronomy Pty Ltd was selling liquor at its Ballarat premises without a licence. Mr Kerr and the other directors admitted they believed they could operate under another party’s licence, but this was not permitted under the Act.

Mr Kerr pleaded guilty to supplying liquor without a licence. The Magistrates’ Court fined Mr Kerr $2,000 plus the Commission’s prosecution costs.

CJ & JA Consiglio Pty Ltd t/a Cumberland Hotel

Court date

31 October 2024

Offence
Outcome

Fined $1,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

CJ & JA Consiglio Pty Ltd was granted a general liquor licence for the Cumberland Hotel in December 2022.

The company failed to declare associates who provided significant funds for the business, giving them influence over operations.

Our inspectors also observed James Consiglio working at the premises, despite a licence condition prohibiting his involvement.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and ordered the accused to pay an aggregate fine of $1,000 (without conviction) plus the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Caleb Consiglio, director of company t/a Cumberland Hotel

Court date

31 October 2024

Offence
Outcome

Fined $3,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

On 2 December 2022, CJ & JA Consiglio Pty Ltd was granted a general liquor licence to operate the Cumberland Hotel, with Caleb Consiglio as sole director.

The licence included a condition that James Consiglio must not be involved in the business and was not allowed to attend the venue during opening hours.

Prior to the licence grant, James Consiglio and the accused director received loans from 3 parties covering a large part of the purchase price and ongoing costs of the venue. Due to the size of the funds, the parties had a stake in the business and could significantly influence its management, but the accused failed to declare them as associates.

Prior to the licence grant, the accused falsely advised the Commission that ties with James Consiglio had been severed, but inspectors later observed James working at the venue. The accused also provided bank statements, in response to a statutory notice, indicating these were all bank accounts held by CJ & JA Consiglio Pty Ltd, but they were incomplete. Some of the missing statements included those that showed James’ involvement in the business.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and ordered the accused to pay an aggregate fine of $3,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Peasant Gastronomy Pty Ltd t/a Peasant (aka Peasant Gastronomy)

Court date

22 October 2024

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Company fined $4,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

In November 2023, inspectors investigated a complaint that Peasant Gastronomy Pty Ltd was selling liquor at its Ballarat venue without a licence. Its 3 directors admitted they believed they could operate under another party’s licence.

The company’s 3 directors pleaded guilty to offering or selling liquor without a licence.

The Magistrates’ Court fined the company $4,000 plus the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Lawrence Gallagher, director of company t/a Peasant (aka Peasant Gastronomy)

Court date

22 October 2024

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $2,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Mr Gallagher was one of the directors of Peasant Gastronomy Pty Ltd. In November 2023, inspectors investigated a complaint that Peasant Gastronomy Pty Ltd was selling liquor at its Ballarat venue without a licence. Mr Gallagher and the other directors admitted they believed they could operate under another party’s licence, but this was not permitted under the Act.

Mr Gallagher pleaded guilty to supplying liquor without a licence. The Magistrates’ Court fined the accused $2,000 plus the Commission’s prosecution costs, without conviction.

Daniel Tesoriero, director of company t/a Peasant (aka Peasant Gastronomy)

Court date

22 October 2024

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $2,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Mr Tesoriero was one of the directors of Peasant Gastronomy Pty Ltd. In November 2023, inspectors investigated a complaint that Peasant Gastronomy Pty Ltd was selling liquor at its Ballarat venue without a licence. Mr Tesoriero and the other directors admitted they believed they could operate under another party’s licence, but this was not permitted under the Act.

Mr Tesoriero pleaded guilty to supplying liquor without a licence. The Magistrates’ Court fined Mr Tesoriero $2,000 plus the Commission’s prosecution costs, without conviction.

Shi Dai International Business Trading Pty Ltd t/a Shi Dai Supermarket (aka Shidai Asian Supermarket)

Court date

17 October 2024

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107) (2 charges).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $1,500 (aggregate), without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

In November 2023, inspectors visited Shi Dai Supermarket in Preston and found liquor being sold without a licence. The sole director sold alcohol to an inspector and recorded the purchase as ‘fresh meat’ on the receipt. No licence was displayed and checks confirmed none was held.

When issued with a notice to produce, the company failed to provide relevant material. The inspector later identified historic liquor suppliers linked to the business.

Shi Dai International Business Trading Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to selling and offering liquor without a licence between September and November 2023.

The Magistrates’ Court fined the accused $1,500 without conviction and ordered the company to pay the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Unihill Trading Pty Ltd t/a Unihill Asian Grocery (aka Uni Hill Asian Grocery)

Court date

15 August 2024

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107) (50 charges).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $1,500 (aggregate), without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

In October 2023, inspectors visited Unihill Asian Grocery in Bundoora and found liquor being sold and offered for sale without a licence. No licence was displayed and checks confirmed none was held.

When issued with a notice to produce, the company provided records showing 49 separate liquor sales between June and October 2023. Unihill Trading Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to selling and offering liquor without a licence.

The Magistrates’ Court fined the company $1,500 without conviction and ordered it to pay the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Hennessy Projects Pty Ltd, formerly t/a Beermash

Court date

2 August 2024

Offence
Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $5,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Hennessy Projects Pty Ltd held a liquor licence for a venue in Collingwood, where the ground floor operated as Beermash and the first floor as Above Board. The Commission was later informed that the licence applied to both floors and that liquor had been supplied by the Beermash venue since July 2016 and by the Above Board venue since November 2016.

Beermash Pty Ltd operated the Beermash venue and Aboveboard Bar Pty Ltd operated the Above Board venue. Neither company held a liquor licence, despite liquor being supplied at both.

After the inspection, trading ceased and Hennessy Projects Pty Ltd took over operations for both venues. However, between 11 May 2023 and 31 August 2023, more than $340,000 in liquor sales was deposited into Beermash Pty Ltd’s bank account. Only about $50,000 of this amount was transferred to Hennessy Projects Pty Ltd. Beermash Pty Ltd company continued to pay wages, suppliers, rent and utilities related to the Beermash venue.

The accused pleaded guilty to allowing other companies to run parts of the licensed premises and supplying liquor without consent of the Commission.

The Magistrates’ Court fined the accused $5,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Beermash Pty Ltd t/a Beermash

Court date

2 August 2024

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $3,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Hennessy Projects Pty Ltd held a liquor licence for premises in Collingwood, where the ground floor operated as Beermash and the first floor as Above Board. The Commission was later informed that the licence applied to both floors and that liquor had been supplied by the Beermash venue since July 2016 and by the Above Board venue since November 2016.

Beermash Pty Ltd operated the Beermash venue and Aboveboard Bar Pty Ltd operated the Above Board venue. Neither company held a liquor licence, despite liquor being supplied at both.

After the inspection, trading ceased and Hennessy Projects Pty Ltd took over operations. However, between 11 May 2023 and 31 August 2023, more than $340,000 in liquor sales was deposited into the accused company’s bank account. Only about $50,000 of this amount was transferred to Hennessy Projects Pty Ltd. The accused company continued to pay wages, suppliers, rent and utilities related to the Beermash venue.

The accused pleaded guilty to unlicensed sale of liquor. The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven, imposed a $3,000 fine without conviction and ordered payment of the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Aboveboard Bar Pty Ltd t/a Above Board (aka Above Board Bar)

Court date

2 August 2024

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $2,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Hennessy Projects Pty Ltd held a liquor licence for premises in Collingwood, where the ground floor operated as Beermash and the first floor as Above Board. The Commission was later informed that the licence applied to both floors and that liquor had been supplied by the Beermash venue since July 2016 and by the Above Board venue since November 2016.

Beermash Pty Ltd operated the Beermash venue and Aboveboard Bar Pty Ltd operated the Above Board venue. Neither company held a liquor licence, despite liquor being supplied at both.

After the inspection, trading ceased and Hennessy Projects Pty Ltd took over operations.

The accused pleaded guilty of unlicensed sale of liquor. The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven, imposed a $2,000 fine without conviction and ordered payment of the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Bar Liberty Pty Ltd t/a Bar Liberty

Court date

2 August 2024

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $2,000, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

Provenance Food and Wine Co Pty Ltd holds several liquor licences for a Fitzroy premises trading as Bar Liberty. On 17 June 2023, liquor inspectors collected receipts for liquor sales listing an ABN assigned to Bar Liberty Pty Ltd, which did not hold a liquor licence.

The accused had been selling liquor and receiving proceeds from sales at the premises since November 2016. The company ceased trading at Bar Liberty on 29 June 2023.

The accused pleaded guilty. The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven, imposed a $2,000 fine without conviction and ordered payment of the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group Pty Limited t/a Albion Charles Hotel, Rose Shamrock Hotel and Doncaster Hotel

Court date

30 July 2024

Offence

Allowing a minor on licensed premises without a responsible adult (s120(1)) (15 charges).

Outcome

Resolved by enforceable undertaking. No conviction.

Summary

Between 8 September 2022 and 1 November 2022, a 16-year-old minor visited 3 licensed premises managed by Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group Pty Limited: the Albion Charles Hotel (Northcote), Rose Shamrock Hotel (Reservoir) and Doncaster Hotel (Doncaster). CCTV footage showed the minor was alone during visits, mainly to gamble in gaming rooms, leaving shortly after.

The Commission accepted an enforceable undertaking with the accused, requiring them to:

Acce Wright Pty Ltd t/a Angies Cafe Bake Shop (aka Angie’s Café & Bakeshop)

Court date

2 July 2024

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome
Summary

Acce Wright Pty Ltd applied for a liquor licence for Angie’s Cafe Bake Shop in Kyneton in July 2023.

Before the licence was granted, inspectors found evidence online that the company had sold liquor at an event on 19 August 2023 without a licence.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven, placed the company on good behaviour for 3 months and ordered it to pay a $200 fine and the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Arjun & Pari Pty Ltd t/a Swan Reach General Store

Court date

2 July 2024

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome
Summary

Arjun & Pari Pty Ltd applied to transfer the liquor licence for Swan Reach General Store in November 2023.

The company was advised in November 2023 that it could not sell liquor until the transfer was approved, but inspectors later found evidence of liquor being advertised and sold without a licence in December 2023.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven, placed the company on good behaviour for 2 years and ordered it to pay a $700 fine and the Commission’s prosecution costs.

James Consiglio, former director of company t/a Cumberland Hotel

Court date

29 May 2024

Offence

Making false or misleading statements (s118(1)) (2 charges).

Outcome

Fined $1,500, without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

James Consiglio signed a loan agreement with 2 parties who had significant influence over the Cumberland Hotel business, but failed to declare them as associates of CJ & JA Consiglio Pty Ltd when applying for a liquor licence on behalf of the company.

The licence was granted with a condition preventing his involvement, including a requirement that he not attend the venue during opening hours. Inspectors later observed him working at the venue.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and ordered him to pay a $1,500 fine (without conviction) and the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Mhrings Pty Ltd t/a V8 Liquor (aka V8 Liquor and Pizza)

Court date

16 May 2024

Offence
Outcome

Guilty plea. Licensee fined $1,500 without conviction.

Summary

Mhrings Pty Ltd (licensee) held a general liquor licence for V8 Liquor and Pizza in Pakenham and has a sole director. The licensee and its director are the accused. When applying to transfer the licence, the company did not declare the director’s husband as an associate, despite evidence showing he was involved in the business.

Inspectors also found the business operating as a bottle shop, with liquor supplied for off-site consumption only, contrary to licence conditions.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and ordered the licensee to pay a fine of $1,500.

Court date

16 May 2024

Offence
Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $1,500 without conviction.

Summary

Ms Sandhu was the sole director of Mhrings Pty Ltd holds, who held a general liquor licence for V8 Liquor and Pizza in Pakenham. When applying to transfer the licence, Ms Sandhu did not declare her husband as an associate, despite evidence showing he was involved in the business.

Inspectors also found the business operating as a bottle shop, with liquor supplied for off-site consumption only, contrary to licence conditions.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and ordered the licensee to pay a fine of $1,500.

New Chau Than Hung Pty Ltd t/a ARC Asian Grocers

Court date

13 May 2024

Offence
Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $2,500 (aggregate) without conviction.

Summary

Liquor inspectors attended ARC Asian Grocers in Preston in October 2022 and were able to buy liquor, despite the business not holding a liquor licence.

Further inspections in January and February 2023 found the store continued to display and offer liquor for sale.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and ordered the accused to pay an aggregate fine of $2,500.

Redesdale Estate Pty Ltd t/a Redesdale Estate (aka Redesdale Estate Wines)

Court date

25 March 2024

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107) (24 charges).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Fined $2,500 (aggregate), without conviction, plus the Commission’s costs.

Summary

In December 2022, inspectors found that Redesdale Estate Pty Ltd was offering liquor for sale on its website without a licence. One of the company directors had previously held a licence, but admitted that the licence expired in 2016. The accused was notified that it did not hold a licence.

Despite this, further checks in February and June showed the company continued to advertise and sell liquor without permission. Inspectors contacted the accused. Inspectors then obtained evidence that the accused was still either selling or offering liquor for sale without a licence between July and August 2023.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charges proven and ordered the accused to pay a $2,500 aggregate fine, without conviction, and the Commission’s prosecution costs.

Georgia Dale t/a Georgies Wines (aka Georgia Dale Wines)

Court date

14 February 2024

Offence

Offer or sell liquor without a licence (s107).

Outcome

Guilty plea. Matter adjourned on condition of good behaviour for 12 months.

Summary

Georgia Dale held a pre-retail liquor licence that was not renewed by 31 March 2022. This made any offer or supply of liquor from 1 April 2022 an offence. From 11 June to 2 November 2022, Ms Dale sold liquor online and directly to licensees. She also offered liquor online and for sale at the Williamstown Farmers Market.

The Magistrates’ Court found the charge proven and adjourned the matter for 12 months on the condition of good behaviour.

Disqualifications

These people and companies have been disqualified from:

They are disqualified for a set period of time under the Liquor Control Act 1987 and the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998.

Company / person Period of disqualification Dates of disqualification
Mr George Zurcas 1 year and 17 days 13 June 2025 to 30 June 2026
Cafe Holdings Pty Ltd under s92 Life From 30 December 2010 for life
Dwayne Michael Lord (Inkerman Hotel) under s92(1)(a) to (f) 20 years 8 May 2007 to 8 May 2027
Simon Sayfe (Hugo Lounge Melbourne) under s92(1)(a)-(f) 20 years 25 July 2007 to 25 July 2027
Colin Occhietti (Backstreet Bar) 25 years 22 June 2001 to 22 June 2026
Denis Smith Life From 28 September 2000 for life
Kerry Ashford Life From 26 October 2000 for life

Updated 27 March 2026

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