Labor vows to eliminate 'alcohol-free zones' in Melbourne's east

Victoria’s Labor party has said it will abolish booze dry zones across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs if re-elected.

Under laws dating back to the 1920s, the state’s liquor authority cannot grant liquor licenses for bars or clubs in parts of the local Whitehorse and Boroondara, unless residents approve.

Affected suburbs include Ashburton, Glen Iris, Camberwell, Canterbury, Box Hill, Balwyn, and Surry Hills.

The legislation requires compulsory polling of residents before venues are allowed to serve alcohol, costing state taxpayers almost $500,000 since 2004. Premier Daniel Andrews has said they are a “waste of money”.

“These archaic laws are a waste of money and an unnecessary burden on locals - and we'll get rid of them," he said in a statement today.

"Melbourne's local pubs, restaurants and bars are part of what makes our city great. This change is good news for our hospitality industry and great for jobs."

The state election will be held on November 24.

With AAP