Enforcement of liquor licence provisions: The introduction of civilian licence inspectors in Victoria (2013)

As in many other societies, Australian states have alcohol licensing laws, which specify who can sell alcoholic beverages and under what conditions. Police commonly have the authority to enforce licensing provisions, but are often distracted from this task by more pressing responsibilities. The state of Victoria, Australia, moved in July 2009 to establish a Compliance Directorate (the Directorate), comprising 40 civilian inspectors, to assist and support the work of the Victoria Police in enforcing requirements pertaining to liquor licensees. This article explores early indicators of the impact of this body on licensee compliance in Victoria. The Directorate was presented by the government as a part of an effort to influence cultures that promote harmful consumption of alcohol. Analysis of data and interviews with policy and enforcement staff and licensees indicate that the Directorate has substantially improved enforcement of administrative provisions of licence conditions. In a climate where previously very little liquor licence enforcement existed, the Directorate has been required to negotiate conflicting views on appropriate approaches to regulation, potentially undermining its capacity to pose a real threat of enforcement action for licensees who are in breach of their obligations. Although civilian inspectors promote a better regulated alcohol industry, evidence indicates that provisions prohibiting sales to minors and the intoxicated (with greatest potential to impact on alcohol-associated harm) remain insufficiently enforced.