Bendigo Nationals Candidate Andrew Lethlean Under Fire Over Suspended Liquor Licence at Local Bar
Nationals candidate for Bendigo, Andrew Lethlean, is facing mounting pressure after it was revealed that his Bendigo bar continued serving alcohol this month while its liquor licence was suspended — a breach that could result in hefty fines or even jail time.
Lethlean, a veteran publican and co-owner of The Social Bar and Eating House, attributed the lapse to an “administrative oversight” by a staff member, claiming the licence fee was paid 10 days late and the matter has since been resolved.
“Many people pay their bills a week late. This one was 10 days overdue,” he said. “I can’t see it being a major concern.”
However, records from Liquor Control Victoria showed the bar’s licence was officially “ceased in force” — or suspended — as of Saturday. Despite this, staff said the venue operated as usual throughout April and social media posts from the bar confirm alcohol was being sold during the suspension period.
The Nationals are investing heavily in their campaign to unseat Labor MP Lisa Chesters, who has held the Bendigo seat since 2013, and the incident raises questions about the party’s high-profile candidate.
According to the Department of Justice, liquor licences in Victoria are suspended if renewal fees due by December 31 aren’t paid by March 31. Trading while suspended is illegal and can lead to thousands of dollars in fines or, in serious cases, up to two years’ imprisonment.
The department declined to comment on the specific case, but confirmed that both Liquor Control Victoria and Victoria Police are conducting inspections of venues suspected of operating with suspended licences.
