By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
Top cop slams liquor industry and idiotic alcohol attitudes…
YOU’VE been warned, Shane.
Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius, the south-east metro region’s top cop, is taking aim at Shane Warne and the nation’s “idiotic” attitude to excessive alcohol drinking.
He points to Warne’s persistent line of questioning to Australia’s victorious World Cup cricketers in March when he asked how “thirsty” they were.
“To change our attitude, we need people like Shane Warne to change their attitude,” Mr Cornelius said.
“That idiotic linking of excessive drinking of alcohol in celebration isn’t on. It has to stop.”
He blames packaged liquor outlets which he said account for 75 per cent of alcohol-fuelled crime in the south east.
Yet these outlets comprise just 10 per cent of the region’s 3000-plus liquor licences.
Research has found a close correlation with alcohol-related family violence.
“The vast, vast, vast majority (of packaged liquor) is consumed in the family home,” Mr Cornelius said.
“The main game is around how we negate excessive volumes of liquor being put out in our community and driving up offending.”
Mr Cornelius said he would like the outlets subject to similar restrictions as licensed bars and pubs – which limits deals such as two-for-one offers.
“If I had a magic wand, it would be to put the excessive marketing and consumption of alcohol back in balance.
“But this isn’t a police issue, this is a community attitudinal problem.”
For those reasons, Victoria Police and Casey council are opposing a planned 1800 square meter Dan Murphy’s outlet at 1S Linsell Boulevard, Cranbourne East.
Aldi Stores has also applied for a liquor licence at the same under-construction shopping centre.
Mr Cornelius said he expects the police’s submission will cost a “fortune” and it will fail at the part-heard Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) hearing.
“I have every confidence that ‘Big Liquor’ would win at considerable cost to our community.”
The assistant commissioner blames the “ridiculously permissive regime” under the VCGLR.
He said it has allowed giant packaged liquor outlets to target disadvantaged communities.
It is a system that rewards “people motivated by profit, on the back of the misery of others”, Mr Cornelius said.
“My key frustration is we have a regulatory framework that doesn’t support us making the case that we need less alcohol in the community, not more.
“I find it passing strange that we have to prove that another liquor outlet in our community will cause harm.
“I would think in any legal system the proponent would have the burden of proof on them, to prove that their outlet won’t cause harm.”
A spokeswoman for Dan Murphy’s – which is owned by Woolworth’s – said the development would bring more than 40 jobs and offer a “convenient new service” for a growing population.
“We strive to be Australia’s most responsible drinks retailer and actively pursue strategies to support responsible drinking and harm minimisation.
“We are listening to community concerns and await the decision of the (VCGLR).”
