The controversial transfer of a packaged alcohol licence from a Tilba Tilba store to Bermagui was again debated at a busy public meeting on Wednesday.
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“The main points we were getting across is we have no problem with Woolworths’ commercial operations, but the concern of the people of the Wallaga Lake community is we don’t want a one-stop shop,” Merrimans Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Terry Hill, who spoke at the Bermagui Community Hall meeting, said on Friday.
“We have a number of alcohol dependent people in the community and high unemployment, and when they pull up at a shop they have to make a decision.
“Woolworths said they would take signs down and pull up curtains, but it doesn’t matter because people will know.
“Our objection is it’s convenient, it’s too easy, and the temptation will be there.”
The meeting had been convened by the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority after the current application for the licence transfer from Pam’s Store to Bermagui to create a Woolworths’ owned Beer, Wine and Spirits outlet in the town created much public debate.
Community elder Gary Campbell said during the meeting, the close association of food with alcohol will have a negative impact on the area’s youth.
Beer, Wine and Spirits said the company is open to “hear and respond to the concerns of the community”, surrounding the issue.
“We’ll be doing the best we can to respond to their concerns,” they said.
A spokesperson for the company said they now submit a written reply to the authority, which will then be made public.
Bermagui resident Paul Payten has campaigned against the introduction of an extra point of sale of alcohol in the town since it was initially included by Fabcot in the company’s Woolworths development proposal in 2014.
He said the “full house” of community members present at the Bermagui Community Hall meeting were unanimously against the proposed transfer.
“When they asked if anyone was in support of the move there was complete silence,” Mr Payten said.
“The message was, if there is more alcohol available in town then more will be consumed.
“It really is heightening temptation.”
Mr Payten said Woolworths now have the opportunity to submit a written reply to the authority, which will be made public.
