03/10/2025
Daylesford’s chalked up a massive win, with Hepburn Shire Council and the community finally knocking back plans for a Dan Murphy’s after two long years of fighting.
On Monday, VCAT upheld the Victorian Liquor Commission’s original decision to refuse Endeavour Group a licence, shutting the door on the mega bottle-o.
Endeavour had been dragging the case through VCAT across July and August, trying to overturn that landmark 2024 ruling. But the tribunal wasn’t buying it, siding with the town instead.
“This is a win for Daylesford, the community, the Shire, and Council,” reported Mayor Don Henderson. “VCAT’s decision to refuse the Endeavour Group a liquor licence to operate in Daylesford is a huge relief for us all.”
“This decision protects our community, especially our young people, from the risk of increased harm from the misuse of alcohol. This decision proves that when Council and the community work together, anything is possible.”
He also gave credit where it was due: “I know that this outcome was achieved by the grit and determination of our community. Thank you to those who stood alongside Council as we fought to keep our community safe.”
The case was significant because it was the first to test the new definition of “harm” under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998.
VCAT spelled out its reasoning clearly: “Put simply, we have decided not to grant the liquor licence because of particular local, social, demographic and geographic circumstances.”
“The premises is located in an education and family friendly area, with children of all ages present throughout the year. The location of the premises means that children going to and from school, in care, at school or at leisure will be exposed to this packaged liquor premises.”
“There is a risk of harm to minors from exposure to the premises and the potential for normalisation of alcohol associated with this location. This is a circumstance where precaution is warranted.”
For many in Daylesford, it’s a relief. For Endeavour, it’s a hard stop. And for other towns watching on, it’s proof that locals can dig in and win – even against the big players.
