Bruce Thompson, chairman of the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) has resigned. The new Labour government has recently put a great deal of pressure on the regulator, as Mr Thompson was not thought to be doing an adequate job of enforcing rules at clubs and pubs.

Over the course of the past four years, there has been a significant decline in the number of inspections at clubs, pubs, restaurants and bottle shops in Victoria. Since 2011, there have been 70% fewer inspections, which leads government leaders to believe that the VCGLR has not been work as hard as it could be to ensure that these venues are following proper protocol.

In addition, the regulator has also been accused of falsifying inspections in order to meet targets. It is believed that the organisation has been lying about the number inspections that it has carried out, making it seem as though the VCGLR is actually doing it jobs properly. Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation Jane Garrett states that the issues date back to 2012, when the liquor regulator and gaming regulator were merged.

Since then, the newly formed VCGLR has seen a lack of focus and a decline in standards. "I have had deep concerns about the commission since the Coalition government went through the botched merger," she says. With Mr Thompson no longer heading the VCGLR, Ms Garett believes that the regulator can make a fresh start.

She aims to deal with all of the issues that have plagued the VCGLR for the past four years, in order to restore the community’s trust in the regulator. Ms Garrett continues: “I will be focused on making sure that a revamped commission fixes the problems that have plagued it including improving inspection rates and focusing on regional Victoria."

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