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                    Responsible consumption of alcohol

                    Our city has an amazing late night culture and we want it to stay that way. The City of Melbourne is committed to community safety and promoting responsible drinking.

                    ​Consumption of alcohol is banned in public places in the central business district 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

                    This ban is also in force during:

                    Alcohol is also banned at major events in the streets and reserves of Carlton, in the area bounded by Victoria Parade and Swanston, Elgin and Nicholson streets.

                    The ban applies during:

                    Licensed outdoor dining is unaffected.

                    Consumption of alcohol is controlled under the City of Melbourne's Activities Local Law 2019.

                    Responsible consumption of BYO alcohol is permitted in the City of Melbourne’s public parks and gardens by individuals or groups of 50 people or less. Restrictions apply for some specific locations during special events like Moomba and New Year’s Eve.

                    Liquor licences

                    To apply for a liquor licence for a cafe, restaurant or other commercial property, go to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR).

                    Don't Miss the Party campaign

                    The City of Melbourne, along with Victoria Police, is supporting the Melbourne Licensees Forum in promoting a responsible behaviour campaign, Don’t Miss the Party.

                    The campaign aims to reduce the number of alcohol related interpersonal assaults in and around night time venues within the municipality. Its key goals are to:

                    • Discourage and where possible prevent antisocial behaviour and drunkenness on licensed premises
                    • Promote responsible standards of behaviour by late night venue goers in and around licensed premises within the city of Melbourne.

                    The main message focuses on accountability, tolerance and respect and is delivered through a licensee’s patron code of conduct that will be displayed in participating night-time venues, and a video that will be played during key times of the campaign.

                    Don’t Miss the Party is just one of the ways in which we are working to strengthen partnerships to prevent crime and improve community safety.

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                    Don't Miss the Party!
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