The recent closure of the Tote in Collingwood has generated a lot of public debate about Victoria's liquor licensing regime. Contrary to recent reports, the security requirements for venues with live music were not part of the bill that passed state parliament late last year. The requirement for live music venues to provide security staff is not enshrined in any act of parliament – it is something the government started requiring of licensees long ago.

I was surprised by the "angle" of the story in the Journal (front page Aug 18): "We'll Walk". The report made it seem like council had made a bad decision in blocking a development application for a hotel with up to 60 poker machines, and the sale of alcohol, in a youth area! The way the story was packaged, made it sound like the council blew it: another lost business opportunity for Dandenong!