5.0 Licence Responsibilities and Obligations
Section 3.4.23 of the Act requires venue operators to notify the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) in writing if they change or plan to change their structure in the following ways:
- an incorporated association decides to amalgamate with another incorporated association, or to convert itself into a company
- an un-incorporated body decides to become incorporated
- a venue operator is one of two or more clubs applying for an amalgamated club liquor licence
- an application has been made by executors, trustees or administrators to have their name or that of their agent endorsed on the liquor licence.
Through the nominee, venue operators are also responsible for notifying the VGCCC of certain changes in the licensee’s situation as detailed in the directions made under section 10.4A.4 of the Act.
Whenever any of the specific changes take place, a written notice must be given to the VGCCC within 14 days of the change occurring. An email from the nominee to the VGCCC is generally acceptable, provided it is accompanied by supporting documentation, if appropriate. The email can be sent to contact@vgccc.vic.gov.au.
Venue operators are also required to notify the VGCCC in writing within seven days of becoming aware that a person has become an associate. A person cannot become an associate or nominee without the prior approval of the VGCCC in writing.
In accordance with directions made under section 10.4A.4 of the Act, individual nominees and associates are also required to notify the VGCCC about certain changes in their situation. Nominees can help by reminding associates from time to time about their reporting obligations.
If a liquor licence for an approved venue is cancelled, relocated, surrendered or released, the venue operator’s licence is automatically and immediately amended to remove the premises that were the approved venue. In addition, the approval of the premises is immediately revoked. In these circumstances, gaming at those premises would have to cease immediately. If a liquor licence for an approved venue is suspended for a period of time, the approval of the premises is immediately suspended for the same period. If transferring an approved venue to the holder of a venue operator’s licence, for further information refer to the section titled Include or Remove Premises.
Nominees can perform the duties of a gaming industry employee
The nominee of a venue operator may perform the duties of a Gaming industry employee at the venue for which they are the approved nominee without holding a gaming industry employee's licence. At all times while the nominee is performing the duties of a gaming industry employee, a VGCCC approved ‘nominee identification’ badge must be worn so that it can be clearly seen by other people.