Victoria’s gambling regulator (VGCCC) has urged clubs and hotels to ensure they comply with trading restrictions ahead of the Christmas holidays, after issuing fines and censures totallng AU$58,000 ($37,700) to nine venue operators for breaches earlier this year.
Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) chief executive Suzy Neilan said venues must check their permitted hours before December 25th.
“The festive season is just around the corner, and we appreciate it is an extremely busy time for clubs and hotels. That is why it is so important to check your trading hours are compliant now”, Neilan said in a VGCCC announcement.
The warning follows investigations into breaches on Good Friday and ANZAC Day, when poker machines were found operating outside permitted hours at 12 venues.
Nine venues were fined and three censured. Clayton RSL received the largest penalty — AU$15,000 ($9,750) — after allowing gaming activities beyond its liquor license hours on Good Friday, generating a net turnover of AU$2,444 ($1,590).
Neilan said restrictions on significant days reflected community expectations. “It is important that we reflect community expectations surrounding these days and ensure that venues comply with the law”, she said.
Last year, the VGCCC fined 11 venues a total of AU$180,000 ($117,000) for similar breaches.
The venues penalized were The Bridge Hotel (BH01 Pty Ltd), Clayton RSL Sub-Branch Inc, Freccia Azzurra Club, Kerang Bowling Club Inc, Lakes Entrance RSL Sub-Branch Inc, Mansfield Golf Club Inc, Murray Downs Golf & Country Club Ltd, Sebastopol Bowling Club Inc, Sunbury Bowling Club Inc, Sunbury United Sporting Club Limited, The Brunswick Club, and The Moonee Ponds Club Inc.
