Dairy owners say alcohol laws unfair

26 Aug 2010 01:39p.m.

Davyd wrote:

Ruz, I am yet to see proof (actual data) that shows shops loosely defined as dairies are more likely to sell to those underage. What is the logic you speak of regarding where sale of liquor should take place?
Sale of liquor from numerous small outlets in suburban areas enables people to purchase modest quantities as required for responsible drinking. As a readily available supply not requiring long distance travel also reduces the activity of ‘stocking up’ can support overall decreased consumption of liquor. This is also supported by the reverse experience from overseas; when liquor outlet density is dramatically reduced and store hours are also limited there is more binge drinking and more alcohol dependency problems.
The ‘logic’ or argument for allowing liquor sales at sporting events or concerts is to have greater control over the quantity consumed at the event. Not selling at the event will not affect how much is consumed prior to entering the venue directly, however having liquor sales at the venue at a reasonable price enables some control over alcohol consumption at the venue and reduces the perceived need to ‘tank up’ prior to entry.

25 Aug 2010 01:30p.m.

Ruz wrote:

Dairy owners are more likely to sell to those underage. There was never any logic in allowing them to sell alcohol in the first place. There is also no logic in allowing alcohol to be sold at sporting events and concerts etc. Alcohol should only be sold in pubs and clubs at at traditional bottle stiores.

25 Aug 2010 10:45a.m.

Davyd wrote:

It is the excessive consumption of alcohol that is the primary problem; there is a secondary issue of under age drinkers’ access to alcohol which is not the same question as the number or type of licensed liquor outlets.
I see a number of comments saying Dairies or Convenience stores should not be allowed to sell alcohol without any substantive argument for this view other than the feeble ‘because that’s the way it once was’.
There may have been the consequence from the current Sale of Liquor Act whereby some types of outlets now have a licence unintended by the legislators. @ Russell that still makes those Dairies licensed premises; the actual problem is the poor definition in Sale of Liquor Act as to what type of outlet could apply for an Off-Licence.
@ Jan, the Government does not sell liquor licenses, it is the individual District Licensing Agencies that grant licences or if opposed the Licensing Authority.