Liquor stores and pubs around NSW are likely to defy police calls to limit the sale of alcohol on Australia Day.
Chief Inspector Guy Haberley this week emailed hundreds of bottle shops in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong asking them to refuse to sell drinks with an alcohol content of more than four percent before 2pm.
The request has led industry bodies like Liquor Stores Association (LSA) of NSW to seek clarification on this issue from the Offices of Liquor, Gaming & Racing (OLGR) and the NSW Police Minister.
The government has indicated this does not reflect policy and police have issued follow-up advice confirming this is not a regulatory requirement – and will not be enforced.
“There is no evidence that suggests preventing everyday Australians from buying a bottle of wine, a mixed drink, or a full-strength beer to share at a family lunch on Australia Day will do anything to reduce alcohol-related excessive drinking, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime and violence,” said LSA NSW CEO, Terry Mott.
“Any intervention to prevent responsible family groups from sharing a drink over a traditional Australia Day lunch will not influence the minority who commit acts of antisocial behaviour.”
While the LSA NSW has reminded all NSW Liquor Store members to be vigilant on RSA principles at all times, it appears highly unlikely that either small liquor retailers or Woolworth’s liquor stores, Dan Murphy’s or BWS will uphold the voluntary ban on full-strength beer, wine and spirits.
Bottle store owners have generally been bemused by the request with some questioning exactly what brands under four percent alcohol they were meant to sell and how staff would be expected to explain the restrictions to irate customers.
Issued by The Shout 15th January 2010
http://theshout.com.au/2010/01/15/article/Liquor-Stores-to-Ignore-Police-Ban/AYNEXZPEXV
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