Liquor ban lift set to reignite Melbourne's nightlife

Ending the liquor licensing ban that's stopped Melbourne's new, boutique venues serving alcohol past 1am will reinvigorate the city's night life. Photo / Getty Images

Ending the liquor licensing ban that's stopped Melbourne's new, boutique venues serving alcohol past 1am will reinvigorate the city's night life.

The regulation was introduced in 2008 after a spate of late night violence in the city, but Liquor Regulation Minister Jane Garrett said studies revealed that wasn't a major issue at venues with a maximum capacity of 200 people.

While those venues will be able to apply for an exemption to the current regulations the bans for for larger "beer barn" venues will be extended until 2019.

- AAP