Shepparton’s Downtown bar allegedly breaches liquor licence law

A Shepparton bar has been taken to court, accused of breaching its liquor licence.

Downtown bar in Shepparton is facing a charge of breaching its liquor licence.

Shepparton’s “best cocktail bar” allegedly failed to employee security guards while serving alcohol and playing loud music on a Saturday night.

Downtown fronted Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with supplying liquor while amplified music was being played and no crowd controllers were employed or working.

The alleged offence breaks the liquor licence for the premise, which a director for the business pleaded not guilty to.

On December 9, 2023, police officers attended the High St venue for a routine walk-through about 10.40pm.

The standard requirement is to have two controllers for the first 100 patrons, with an extra guard for every additional 100 patrons, and one stationed at the entrance.

The business’ social media describes itself as “Shepparton’s best cocktail bar, food and function space”.

Cocktail bar Downtown in Shepparton has been accused of not having security guards in line with its liquor licence.

The police allege the music was above the volume of background music and that they were not able to have a normal conversation with an employee without raising their voices to hear.

In March the business was issued a penalty notice with a $1154 fine, which they objected to.

The court heard the defence would rely on a 2005 VCAT decision for the definition of background noise.

The body worn camera footage from the attending police officers was played to the court with music and a conversation with an employee audible.

Magistrate Amina Bhai said while she had been told there was a speaker right next to the officer’s heads she saw there were two people and a table between the camera and the speaker.

She also said it was obvious the officers were moving and the video wasn’t filmed in one spot.

“After watching the video I think the prosecution have a strong case,” she said.

The matter will return to court on October 7 for a contested hearing.

The prosecution indicated they would call four witnesses at the hearing and the defence would call three.