No thirst for liquor store among locals

Bondi Beach residents have voiced concern over a proposed Liquorland outlet on Campbell Parade. Locals say it goes against council efforts to minimise alcohol related anti-social behaviour in the area.

Hely Horne Architects Pty Ltd has submitted a development application to Waverley Council for a Liquorland Express retail outlet at 138 Campbell Pde, previously the site of an Aboriginal art gallery.

As part of their Statement of Environmental Effects, the applicants claim: “[Liquorland Express Bondi] will not have any adverse social impact upon the local community as the proposed liquor store is surrounded by restaurants and food outlets along Campbell Pde.”

The application is within council’s planning guidelines, but residents object to the proposed location and operating hours: Monday to Saturday 8am to midnight and Sundays 10am to 10pm.

Convenor of the Bondi Beach Precinct committee, Lenore Kulakauskas, said: “We have enough liquor outlets here at Bondi Beach. We do not need another one.”

The committee believes the proximity to the beach will harm council efforts to maintain the alcohol-free zones. Ms Kulakauskas said the Precinct committee is strongly opposed to the proposal and is lodging an objection with council.

“It’s hard enough to police as it is. The last thing we need is having young people buying cheap grog, then crossing the road and going to drink it in the park.”

According to Waverley Council’s Community Safety Plan, alcohol free zones are “clearly signposted” but only strictly enforced when “problems have been identified or as part of preventative campaigns such as ‘Safe Summer’.” Residents maintain disruptive behaviour from intoxicated young people continues throughout the year.

Head of Communications for the Coles Group, which owns Liquorland, Jon Church said: “Coles takes its responsibilities as a responsible retailer of alcohol very seriously. The community consultation notification period for this proposed store has just ended and we’re currently reviewing the responses before responding to concerns raised.”

One local resident who contacted The Bondi View said Campbell Parade was already overrun by fast food chains and minimarts, and questioned the need for another “tacky” addition to what he called “the front door to Bondi Beach”.

“I feel, and I’m not alone, that this is not the first impression our community wants to give to the visiting world. It’s more likely to attract more anti-social behaviour on the beach front,” he said.

By Kira Spucys-Tahar