Low price liquor – high cost for locals

Controversy has arisen amid speculation that this bulk liquor supermarket may be allowed to trade until midnight in a residential area when it is the SSHs understanding that no other Dan Murphy in NSW is open that late, nor are they situated in residential areas.

Local community group REDWatch has expressed its concern to the Council and the RWA has also made a submission. A number of objections including noise, encouraging alcohol consumption, the proximity of the local school, parking and traffic issues were raised. Spokesperson for REDWatch Geoffrey Turnbull said, “The price of liquor is so much cheaper at Dan Murphys so this is clearly going to impact on street drinking issues and underage drinking.”

Resident Gillian Trees lives next door to the proposed site at 2–10 Fountain Street and is concerned about the knock-on effect it will have for the community. She said, “My predominant concern is the opening hours. If you have to pick up your booze at 12 then that’s a problem.

I’m also worried that people will be drinking in the parks and there will be broken bottles around. No pub or hotel in the area is open after 10pm so, if Dan Murphys is allowed to be open until midnight, what’s to stop them putting in DAs for extended hours too? Residents don’t want the area to end up like Kings Cross.”

A pre-existing liquor licence on the site may make all but the late operating hours difficult to oppose when it is brought before Council in August.

Source: South Sydney Herald July 2007 http://www.southsydneyherald.com.au/