Anglicare Victoria has called on State Planning Minister, Justin Madden, to take responsibility for the recent approval of a new beer barn to be built in Melbourne's Dockland precinct and to explain how such a decision could be made at a time when his own government seeks to address the growing concern of alcohol fuelled violence in and around the CBD.

Anglicare Victoria CEO, Dr Ray Cleary, said the decision was difficult to understand given the knowledge that excessive and binge drinking is a major contributor to the increased violence and assaults across the State.

"How does this decision line up with the Premier's recent statements about the need to address the issues of alcohol consumption and violence?" said Dr Cleary.

"Does the planning Minister not understand the link?

"Day by day we see media reports of violence and abuse fuelled by excessive alcohol consumption. Experts continue to warn of the social and economic costs.

"The community needs more than words and platitudes on the abuse of alcohol. We need leadership by Government."

Dr Cleary called on the State Government to review the venues approval in line with its recent stance on tackling alcohol related violence.

The approval of the beer barn comes just weeks after the State Government and Anglicare Victoria launched the $1.7 million State funded pilot program called LYFT (Linking Youth and Families Together).

The program aims to reduce the alcohol related harm to young people by improving communication, strengthening the family, encouraging treatment, health and well being options.

The LYFT program is just one element of the Brumby Government's five-year, $37.2 million Alcohol Action Plan to address the significant human and economic impact of alcohol abuse.

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