VCAT sets aside VCGLR decision and grants application for additional pokies at the Braybrook Hotel
On 25 September 2014, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) granted the application by the Bakers Arms Hotel Pty Ltd to increase the number of pokies it operates at the Braybrook Hotel from 31 to 45.
The Bakers Arms Hotel Pty Ltd originally applied to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation for an increase of 19 pokies, from 31 to 50.
On 31 October 2013, the commission refused the application. The reasons for decision were published on 19 November 2013. Read the commission's decision.
The Bakers Arms Hotel Pty Ltd applied to VCAT for a review of this decision.
In its submission to VCAT, the Bakers Arms Hotel Pty Ltd modified its application, reducing the increase in pokies from 19 to 14. VCAT heard the case from 21–29 July and 18–19 August 2014.
The commission submitted to VCAT that the modification of the application meant the reasoning in the commission's decision no longer applied and therefore the case should not be heard by VCAT but should again come before the commission.
VCAT rejected the argument that the hearing should go back to the commission but accepted the proposition by the commission that its reasoning was not as applicable. VCAT therefore gave less weight to the commission's conclusions in making its decision.
More information
Read the VCAT decision.
See our infographic on the City of Maribyrnong and compare pokies statistics with other councils across Victoria.