Under critical reform coming into effect from 7 November 2023 being intoxicated in public will be treated as a health issue, not a crime.

To ensure people who are intoxicated in public can access culturally appropriate and effective supports that prioritise their health, safety and wellbeing, a new evidence-driven, health-based service model will replace the current criminal justice approach.

From 7 November, people will not be placed in a police cell or arrested solely for being drunk in public, with intoxication no longer the threshold for intervention.

Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria will continue to respond where there are community safety or emergency health risks.

Current laws making public intoxication a crime have disproportionately impacted Aboriginal people and other diverse communities across Victoria.

The government will deliver services for Aboriginal people in locations across regional and metropolitan areas, and a service for all people across Melbourne.

Licensee obligations

Under the reform, licensees’ obligations will not change. It will still be an offence to allow drunk people on licensed premises and to serve alcohol to an intoxicated person.  

While police will still be available to assist with incidents in and around your venue that require a police response, this is an opportunity to support Victoria’s broader transition to a health-based approach for those most in need of support. (for more Liquor Control Victoria)

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