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/