Tableof Contents
About
Introduction
Key Statistics
The Average Patron
Policy Document
Trusted Operator Status
Tax Reform
Liquor
Gaming Planning
Workforce
Sustainability
Major Events
Live Music
ABOUT
AustralianHotels Association(Victoria)
The Australian Hotels Association (Victoria) is the peak body representing Victoria’s pubs, hotels, and accommodation venues.
We advocate on behalf of our members across metropolitan and regional Victoria, from small family-run country hotels to major hospitality and accommodation venues.
Our role is to ensure that pubs and hotels can operate successfully and sustainably in a fair and competitive environment. We work closely with government, regulators,
Accommodation Australia (Victoria) is the peak body representing the rights and interests of Victoria's regulated accommodation providers, as an entity of AHA (Vic).
AHA (Vic) and AA (Vic) provide members with expert advice on workplace relations, licensing, compliance, and business operations, as well as training, benchmarking, networking, and promotional opportunities.
We are the industry’s collective voice, protecting the interests of venues, supporting their staff, and celebrating the vital role pubs and hotels play in Victoria’s economy and culture.
“Apubisnotariskto regulate,itisasocial safetynettoprotect.”
Victoria’s pubs and accommodation providers form the most dynamic and community-minded industry in the state. They employ tens of thousands of people, generate billions in economic output, and provide the experiences that define our social and community lives.
AHA (Vic)’s State of the Industry report shows an industry that remains strong, but one that is also evolving. Operators are confronting higher energy and wage costs, workforce shortages, and changes to consumer behaviour brought on by cost-ofliving pressures.
Yet in every corner of the state, from Mallacoota to Mildura, our members continue to adapt, invest, and serve their communities with pride.
The hospitality sector’s contribution to Victoria extends well beyond the balance sheet. It sustains local economies, underpins tourism, and strengthens social connection.
Every meal served, every room booked, and every event hosted contributes to a wider ecosystem that keeps Victoria working, connected and welcoming.
This document outlines the policy and reform that AHA (Vic) is seeking from Government and regulators.
The Trends Key Statistics
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The Average Patron
THE FEMALE PATRON:
THE MALE PATRON:
Trusted Operator Status
The majority of Victorian pubs and hotels operate with a strong culture of compliance, community care, and responsible management Yet under current arrangements, all venues are subject to the same inspection frequency, reporting requirements, and administrative burden. This “one-size-fits-all” approach creates unnecessary duplication for compliant operators and diverts regulatory resources away from higher-risk venues.
A Trusted Operator Status would formally recognise venues with a proven record of compliance, investment in staff training, and positive community engagement Eligible venues could access streamlined licence renewals, simplified audit processes, relaxation of inspections, or reduced reporting obligations, mirroring best-practice models already used in food safety and workplace regulation. This approach would reward professionalism and encourage continuous improvement across the industry.
By reducing administrative clutter for responsible operators, regulators could redirect resources toward education campaigns, regional outreach, and targeted enforcement where non-compliance is most likely, leading to a safer, fairer, and more efficient regulatory system overall.
This approach also aligns with broader Government principles around proportional regulation, reduced duplication, and
risk calibrated oversight across industries such as construction, food safety, and workplace safety
A trusted status can incentivise long-term investment. When operators know that sustained good performance leads to streamlined regulatory interactions, they are more likely to invest in staff, facilities, and community partnerships.
This recognises that the industry has matured and now it is time for regulation to catch up.
AHA (Vic) supports the introduction of a Trusted Operator framework administered by Liquor Control Victoria in partnership with industry This system would allow regulators to focus on outliers while giving compliant venues the flexibility and trust they’ve earned. It would reduce red tape, promote cultural maturity in compliance, and recognise the overwhelming majority of Victorian pubs that operate safely, responsibly, and with integrity.
OurTaxReform Policy
OurLiquorReform Policy
OurPlanning Policy
OurSustainability Policy
Small and independent pubs and accommodation hotels often face higher energy costs and limited access to renewable power options compared to larger businesses
Many operate in leased or heritage buildings where installing solar or major energy infrastructure isn’t viable. As a result, smaller venues are often excluded from the transition to cleaner, more affordable energy sources.
Many of Victoria’s pubs and accommodation hotels operate from older or heritage buildings that were not designed for modern energy, water, or waste efficiency While operators are keen to invest in sustainable upgrades, the planning and building approval processes can be slow, complex, and costly. In some cases, even small sustainability upgrades trigger full planning applications, heritage reviews, or structural compliance assessments that deter investment altogether.
“...smallervenuesareoften excludedfromthetransitionto cleaner,moreaffordable energysources. ”
