Ban ‘big box’ beer: call

By Bridget Cook
THE City of Casey has called on the State Government to take action to stop an influx of ‘big-box’ packaged liquor outlets popping up in communities like Casey.
At last week’s council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to write to the State Government requesting that they prohibit the development of new ‘big box’ packaged liquor outlets in suburbs that have high levels of alcohol-related harm.
As well a high level of alcohol-related harm, Casey has the state’s highest rate of family violence.
Councillor Kevin Bradford, who moved the motion, said something needed to be done to stop the influx – with a new Dan Murphys store set to be built on Thompsons Road, Cranbourne soon.
“There are already a lot right around the City of Casey now,” he said.
“There has been a large amount of discussion about big-box packaged liquor outlets and the amount they are popping up all over the state.
“We need to prevent these large, big-box packaged liquor outlets being saturated throughout the community.”
The councillor’s also moved to suggest that the State Government investigates the introduction of a ‘capped area’, similar to the Electronic Gaming Machine Cap, which would restrict the amount of packaged liquor outlets in a geographical location, taking into account an array of social and economic determinants.
Cr Bradford also suggested that business support for existing independent, boutique packaged liquor operators was needed.
He said these smaller outlets struggled to compete with the big-box stores who drive the prices down.
“At least the boutique stores get to know their clientele and their issues and whether or not they should be selling to certain customers,” he said.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien said the Coalition Government had returned planning power to local councils regarding the location of packaged liquor outlets.
“This enables councils to respond to concerns around the density, location and type of licensed premises through planning decisions and tailored local laws, as well as existing mechanisms for participation in the liquor licensing system,” he said.
In April 2011, the State Government also implemented the election commitment to require planning permits, in addition to a liquor licence, for packaged liquor outlets.
Mr O’Brien said no packaged liquor licence can be issued for a venue that does not have planning approval.
“This means that the opportunity and the responsibility now rests with councils to use their planning powers to deliver appropriate and responsible planning outcomes for their local community in relation to packaged liquor outlets,” he said.
“Further, councils are required under the Victoria Planning Provisions to consider the cumulative impact of licensed premises when determining planning permit applications.”
Mr O’Brien said while Casey council said it wanted to prevent harm caused by alcohol consumption by prohibiting ‘big box’ outlets, it also stated the motion was also about protecting the market position of independent or boutique liquor outlets.
“These two points could be considered contradictory and may create confusion,” he said.