VPRS 12392 Applications for Appointment to License Reduction Board

The Licenses Reduction Board was established by the Licensing Act 1906. The duties of the board were to reduce the amount of victuallers or licensed liquor merchants in Victoria by not granting a portion of them an opportunity to renew their annual license. Those victuallers who were not granted a renewal were offered financial compensation from the Compensation Fund also established by the Act.The Board was to be constituted of three fully paid members. In considering the renewal of victuallers licenses, the board members were required to pay particular regard to the convenience of the public, and the unique requirements of every district.The Chief Secretarys Department administered the Board. This series consists of letters of application addressed to the Chief Secretary from members of the public requesting appointment to one of the three positions on the Board. In most cases, people who were involved in the liquor industry, either as merchants or publicans, or licensed inspectors submitted applications.