Sergeant Rod Davis said police believe a caucasian male entered Premixed Drinks on Mollison Street around 8pm on Tuesday demanding cash from an employee.

The male, wearing a dark-coloured hoodie and burgundy back pack, put his finger in his pocket to imitate possession of a weapon, according to Sergeant Davis.

The pair had a conversation, during which the employee refused to hand over cash, and the male, believed to be around 162 centimetres tall, fled the scene, heading south east on Williamson Street.

The footpath outside the bottle shop has been cordoned off as police investigations continue.

Anyone with information about the incident are urged to contact the Bendigo Police Station on 03 5448 1300 or contact crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.