Publications

Compliance Inspectors – Liquor

May 22, 2023 | Hub, Publications

Liquor Control Victoria’s compliance inspectors monitor licensed premises throughout Victoria to ensure that licensees are compliant with their liquor licence conditions. Inspectors do not wear uniforms, but they do carry official identification badges and cards.

Inspections may occur at any time, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

They do not have specific targets or quotas in relation to the issuing of infringement notices (fines). Fines are issued only when there is a direct infringement of liquor law.

Compliance inspector powers

Compliance inspectors have the power to:

• enter and inspect licensed premises

• request that licensees and their staff answer questions and provide information, documents, records and equipment

• seize items as evidence

• request proof of age and seize liquor from a minor

• issue infringement notices (Note: they are not able to issue notices for breaching a banning notice or exclusion order, or for failing to comply with police directions about a banning notice or exclusion order)

• enter a private home if they have a search warrant, or if the home is situated on the licensed premises and the inspector has prior consent from the licensee to enter.

Code of conduct

As well as liquor licensing knowledge, the inspectors must follow a code of conduct that demands the highest levels of professionalism and etiquette. Inspectors work in a constructive and positive fashion with the sector to achieve beneficial outcomes for the community.

Be inspection ready

Presented by LCV Inspectors, this video takes liquor licensees through what they can expect during an inspection. This Inspection Checklist will also help you prepare for a visit.