Liquor stores gets green light despite objections

A Woolworths application for a liquor store at the new Bayonet Head Shopping Centre has been granted despite strong community opposition and police fears over alcohol-related harm in the area.

The conditional licence for a the new BWS-branded outlet was granted early this month, 10 months after the retail giant submitted its application which had been strongly objected to by the neighbouring Oyster Harbour Cellars located only 50m away.

Lawyers representing the Oyster Harbour Store submitted 166 written objections from community members as well as a petition which included 737 signatures.

Despite three liquor stores within a 5km radius, the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor WA liquor licensing director granted the store a licence on the grounds of convenience, citing evidence there was no significant risk of potential alcohol-related harm to the community.

“The evidence satisfies me that other members of the community will find it more convenient to purchase liquor at the (Woolworths) proposed liquor store at the same time they purchase their weekly groceries or other shopping at the new shopping centre,” the decision stated.

Police said in a submission they had attended the area 113 times for antisocial behaviour and disturbances resulting in 47 reported criminal offences from October 2011 to September 2012.

They expressed concern over the store’s location and there were already eight liquor stores within an 8km radius in Albany.

Contrary to the claims, Woolworths believed a large proportion of people who live in Bayonet Head were forced to travel outside the locality to purchase their liquor in tandem with their weekly shop.

Oyster Harbour store partner Mark Cuzens said he was disappointed at the outcome and his solicitors were currently reviewing the decision.