The Victorian Liquor Commission has decided to refuse a liquor license to establish a Dan Murphy’s outlet on the corner of Bridport St and Central Springs Road in Daylesford.

Initially, a supermarket which included a liquor outlet on the site had been proposed. The supermarket was later dropped from the proposal and a much larger liquor store was included instead. Effectively, this doubled the supply of liquor store alcohol for Daylesford at a site next to the child care centre, swimming pool and primary school.

The Endeavour Group originally applied for a license to establish the Dan Murphy’s store in July 2022. The planned store was a liquor supermarket of over 600 square meters with onsite parking and with extended trading hours. Despite over 200 local objections the application was originally granted.

An application for an internal review of the Commissions decision was made in January 2023 by seven applicants: Ms Krystyna Szokolai, Ms Gina Butera, Mr Mark Dickenson, Ms Jennifer Bray, Ms Irene Holub and Ms Lynda Poke. The Commission subsequently conducted public hearings as part of the Review from October 2023 to January 2024 and received further written submissions in the intervening period.

In making its decision the Commission had to take into account

  • whether granting the Licence would be conducive to or encourage harm, or contribute to minimising harm;
  • whether granting the Licence would detract from or be detrimental to the amenity of the area in which the premises are situated;
  • whether granting the Licence would facilitate the development of a diversity of licensed facilities reflecting community expectations; and
  • whether granting the Licence would contribute to the responsible development of the liquor, licensed hospitality and live music industries.

The main reason the Commission decided to refuse the license is that it would cause harm to the local community, especially minors. It noted that there is already an under age drinking problem in Daylesford. The relative isolation of the proposed store from the town centre and community oversight and its proximity to Lake Daylesford and historical drinking spots were seen as significant risks to increased under age drinking.

More generally, the Commission thought the proposed store would lead to increased alcohol consumption. It also took into account the limited local policing and the impact on local domestic violence and drunkenness.

On the other hand, the Commission did not think the proposed store would detract from local amenity and it considered that the application would facilitate diversity in licensed facilities and the responsible development of the local liquor, licensed hospitality and live music industries. However, it placed its emphasis on the harm that the proposed store was likely to cause.

Applicants for the review have overwhelmingly welcomed the Commissions decision.