The state's liquor board has cited Newcastle's high alcohol harm rates in rejecting a new inner-city bottle shop at the same time the government is forging ahead with a trial of relaxed liquor laws.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority denied an application from developer Iris to establish a small bottle shop as part of its East End residential complex.
ILGA ruled the application invalid on procedural grounds but went on to assess it, noting that Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data showed the shop would be in "large high-density hotspots" for alcohol-related assault, domestic assault and property damage.
It also noted the developer held another packaged-liquor licence in another section of the development site and cited the high density of bottle shops in the area.
The Department of Customer Service provided a media statement quoting an ILGA spokesperson saying there was no link between the bottle-shop decision and the government's Newcastle Committee for Night Time Jobs and Investment liquor trial starting October 1.
Committee chair Mark Latham, a One Nation MP, said on Newcastle radio last week that the six-month trial would be open to seven small bars and 120 restaurants to stimulate jobs growth.
The committee would approach the 127 businesses to gauge their willingness to take part.
The committee has not issued details of the trial, but it is expected to allow venues to stay open until 2am serving a wider range of drinks.
Police, nurses, paramedics and doctors oppose the trial.
Newcastle anti-violence campaigner Tony Brown said ILGA's rationale for opposing the bottle-shop licence vindicated the view of the "majority of local residents", health officials and police that alcohol was still a serious problem in the CBD.
"That we remain a declared alcohol violence hotspot should be enough to convince any honest government committed to public interest and safety it's the wrong time to be increasing the strength and availability of alcohol," he said.
Newcastle Labor MP Tim Crakanthorp, a committee member and backer of relaxed licensing rules, said ILGA supported the trial, but its ruling on the bottle shop did not send a mixed message.
"Packaged-liquor licences, which enable a retailer to sell alcohol to be consumed elsewhere, have a very different risk profile compared to on-premise licences," Mr Crakanthorp said.
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
IN THE NEWS:
- Coronavirus: Premier apologises for Ruby Princess mistakes
- Great Aussie Bush Camp co-owner asks why his business must remain closed while pubs and brothels reopen
- Football legend Craig Johnston talks about Faye and her brain injury
- Pole dancing in the Hunter: A sexy and body-positive exercise class for fitness and for fun
- Tests underway for COVID-19 treatment