Those involved in the protest against a potential BWS – Beer Wine Spirits in Bermagui have celebrated the decision to reject the proposal.
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On Tuesday, the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority announced it had rejected an application to move a packaged liquor licence from Tilba Tilba to a proposed BWS outlet at Bermagui.
Chair Philip Crawford said the authority was concerned the proposal was not in the best interests of the local community.
Paul Payten, who has been involved in the movement against the liquor licence since the beginning, said it had given him a thrill to see the community come together and focus on achieving the decision.
“I’ve only heard positive reactions, it’s all acclimation and celebration,” he said.
“People think it was a decision based on common sense.”
Chair of Merrimans Local Aboriginal Land Council Ken Campbell also said he was pleased with the decision.
He said there were already plenty of places in Bermagui where alcohol was available, such as the pub, bottle shop, wine bar, country club and at the brewery near Camel Rock.
“Who needs more alcohol?” he said.
“You’re not going to stop people getting it, but they’re not going to go out to get it late at night.”
In March, the ILGA held a public meeting in Bermagui to give residents and other stakeholders a chance to have their say on the proposal, which was attended by around 130 people.
A range of issues was raised by numerous speakers, mainly relating to the potential for an additional packaged liquor facility in Bermagui to contribute to alcohol-related harms.
Representatives of Woolworths spoke in favour of the proposal.
When determining the application, the authority considered feedback from the meeting as well as written submissions, a Community Impact Statement and other relevant objective data.
Mr Payten thanked the ILGA for visiting the community to hear its concerns at the public meeting.
At the time of publication it had not yet been confirmed if there was the possibility of another application to move the liquor licence from Tilba Tilba to Bermagui.
A report detailing the reasons for refusal will be published on the Liquor and Gaming NSW website.
Albert McKnight
Journalist at Bega District News.
Journalist at Bega District News.
