Victoria’s government has introduced landmark legislation that will impose serious criminal penalties on customers who assault or abuse restaurant, bar, and café workers, with offenders facing up to five years in prison.
The Crimes Amendment (Retail, Fast Food, Hospitality and Transport Worker Harm) Bill 2025, introduced to Parliament on 14 November, represents one of the most comprehensive legislative responses to workplace violence in Australia’s hospitality sector.
What the law covers
Under the new legislation, assaulting or threatening to assault hospitality workers will become an indictable offence carrying a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.
Lesser offences, including intimidating conduct such as using profane or insulting language toward workers, will be prosecuted as summary offences, with penalties of up to six months’ jail.
The protections extend to all customer-facing hospitality employees, whether they work front of house or back of house, in kitchens or at the bar. Contractors such as cleaners and security personnel are also covered under the law.
Critically, the legislation applies to incidents that occur “in connection with” work – meaning workers are protected not only while serving customers, but also during breaks, or while arriving at or leaving their workplace.
A response to escalating violence
The legislation comes amid alarming statistics about workplace violence across Australia.
More than half of retailers report experiencing physical abuse monthly or more frequently, while nearly 90% of retail workers have experienced verbal abuse, according to the Australian Retail Association.
“There is a difference between the customer from hell and the customer who harms – retail workers know it and these laws nail it,” said Premier Jacinta Allan, who referenced her own experience working in a supermarket. “Today, we stand with workers to say it should never be a part of your job, and you’ll be protected.”
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny emphasised that the reforms respond directly to concerns raised by workers, industry representatives, and unions about rising abuse and violence in workplaces across Victoria.
What’s Coming Next: ‘Workplace Protection Orders’
The government has also announced plans to introduce Workplace Protection Orders in April 2026. These orders would allow violent or threatening customers to be banned from specific workplaces – similar to a personal safety order, but protecting an entire workplace rather than an individual.
Currently, only the Australian Capital Territory has such orders in place. Victoria will consult with police, unions, and industry groups to develop the most effective model for protecting workers.
“We’re pushing ahead with Workplace Protection Orders – it’s the next big step in the fight against retail crime,” Kilkenny said.
Additional measures before Christmas
The bill also addresses ram raids – violent crimes where vehicles are used to force entry into buildings. These will now be classified as aggravated burglary, carrying a maximum sentence of 25 years and triggering Adult Time for Violent Crime provisions.
If passed this year, the legislation will become law before Christmas, providing hospitality workers with immediate legal protections during the busy holiday season.
