Police Association rooftop bar gets green light for 2am trading

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has overturned a City of Melbourne decision to restrict the operating hours of the Victorian Police Association’s new rooftop venue in Jolimont, granting approval for it to trade until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.

The ruling follows months of opposition from the East Melbourne Group (EMG), which argued that allowing a 320-patron function centre in a predominantly residential area would cause unacceptable late-night noise and disturbance.

VCAT member Michael Deidun found the site at 70–74 Jolimont Street — part of a Commercial 1 Zone on the edge of the MCG precinct — was a suitable location for a late-night venue, and that amenity impacts could be managed through strict conditions. These include a limit of 60 patrons on the outdoor terrace, which must close by 11pm, installation of noise limiters, and restrictions on live music.

The decision means the rooftop function space, located on levels four and five of the Police Association’s new six-storey headquarters, can now be hired for external events on weekends, with both indoor areas permitted to operate until 2am.

In its reasons, VCAT rejected the EMG’s claims that the quiet residential character of the area should prevail, noting that the commercial zoning encourages “vibrant mixed use” and that nearby railway noise, major pedestrian routes, and proximity to the MCG created a context where some late-night activity was reasonable.

The Tribunal also dismissed concerns about car parking, accepting expert evidence that the venue’s location — within walking distance of multiple train stations and tram services — made it one of Melbourne’s most public transport-accessible sites.

EMG president Greg Bisinella described the outcome as “deeply disappointing” for residents.

“We’re concerned the Tribunal did not give greater weight to the lived experience of those who will be most affected,” he said. “We will monitor the venue closely to ensure full compliance with permit conditions, and any breaches will be documented and pursued.”

The Police Association had argued that the venue was already used for internal events and that the new permit simply extended this to external bookings, bringing the use under tighter management controls.

While the outdoor terrace will close earlier to limit noise, the 2am closing time for indoor spaces is later than the 1am cut-off sought by council. VCAT found the extra hour was unlikely to make a material difference to noise impacts and could help stagger patron departures.

The EMG’s defeat at VCAT marks the end of a protracted planning battle over the rooftop bar, which began with council’s refusal in December 2024 before progressing through heritage, planning, and now Tribunal review.

Under the permit, the venue will be limited to 320 patrons in total, with specific caps for each level, and must adhere to a detailed patron management plan and waste collection schedule.

Mr Bisinella said residents remained committed to protecting East Melbourne’s residential character, despite this setback.

“This is not the outcome we had hoped for, we want to assure you that the East Melbourne Group will monitor the operation of the venue closely,” he said.