THE new Victorian state government has significantly discounted liquor license renewal fees.

The move, affecting 10,500 small businesses and community hubs, is part of a liquor licensing revamp that includes automatic suspension of licenses at problem venues, and discounts for pubs and clubs with good records.

Under the previous Labor government, led by Steve Bracks and then John Brumby, liquor license fees rose steeply. That government was also criticised for not supporting venues like sports club which were low risk when it came to alcohol-linked violence.

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