How to read these cases
Each case sets out what was at risk for the venue, what stood in the way, what we did and how it ended. They are real matters. They are not promises. Every venue, permit and council is different, and how your matter ends will depend on your own facts.
Between them, the three cases cover the moments when things get hard: a council enforcing old permit conditions, a council pushing back on an application, and Victoria Police objecting to a licence change.
Case studies
Planning enforcement · Bayside, south-east Melbourne
An enforcement notice turned into a better permit
A bar faced council action over old permit conditions that capped its patrons, liquor hours, music and deliveries. Council's legal team agreed those conditions no longer bound the venue.
Read the outcome →Planning approval · Bayside, south-east Melbourne
A pub approved despite council pushback
A pub's application met significant council pushback. It was approved.
Read the outcome →Police objection · Victorian high country
An alpine hotel: a faster process and terms that work
Victoria Police objected to a hotel's licence variation. We negotiated terms directly with local police that the hotel agreed to.
Read the outcome →If you are in a similar spot
If council has written to you about your permit, start with what to do about a council enforcement notice. If police have objected to your application, read about answering a police objection. If you are not sure where you stand, book a 15-minute call and we will tell you what we see.