One of Australia’s biggest bottle shop giants has been banned from operating in a tourist town because of the potential ‘harm’ to the community.
Dan Murphy’s application to open a store in Daylesford, 103km north-west of Melbourne, has been rejected after 200 residents opposed the proposal with the backing of the local council.
The town, which is set to host hit Channel Nine series The Block next year, celebrated the Victorian Liquor Licence Commission’s (VLLC) landmark decision, which was announced on Wednesday.
It was the first time the new definition of ‘harm’ had been used under the Liquor Control Reform Act to refuse a licence.
The VLLC ruled that the risk of harm to the Daylesford community outweighed any positive benefits.
‘The decision was made namely on the basis that granting the licence could pose a public risk, encourage harm … and have adverse social impacts,’ Hepburn Shire Council chief executive Bradley Thomas said.
‘The commission concludes that there is an appreciable risk that granting the licence would result in an increase of secondary supply of alcohol to minors in Daylesford and an increase in alcohol consumption by minors and increased harm from the misuse and abuse of alcohol by minors.’
Dan Murphy’s application to open a store in Daylesford, a town 103km north-west of Melbourne, was denied by the Victorian Liquor Licence Commission
Two hundred locals opposed the liquor giants application to set up shop in the town over fears that it would lead to harm for the community
Mr Thomas added that the decision was also driven by ‘a number of factors’ including local, social, demographic and geographic circumstances.
Local business owners welcomed ruling.
‘We were determined to do the impossible as a community,’ distillery owner Basil Eliades told the ABC.
‘We’re enormously relieved and thankful for this decision.’
A spokesperson from Endeavour Group, representing Dan Murphy’s, told Herald Sun it was ‘reviewing next steps’ following the VLLC ruling.
The spokesperson added that Endeavour Group ‘take our responsible service obligations seriously’.
‘[We] have a strong track record in promoting responsible consumption,’ they said.
‘We have always worked in close consultation with local stakeholders and will continue to do so.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Endeavour Group for further comment.
Daylesford (pictured) is home is 2,781 permanent residents, according to the 2021 Census
Moving forward, mayor Brian Hood is optimistic about the positive buzz that Daylesford would receive from hosting The Block next year.
‘It is anticipated that the production will generate a boost for the local economy,’ Mr Hood said in July.
‘We would strongly encourage producers, contestants and the support crew to shop and eat local to ensure economic benefits flow back into our community.’
Established in 1852 as a gold mining town, Daylesford has a permanent population of 2,781.
Renowned for its for its stunning natural beauty, historic charm, and vibrant local culture, the town’s population soars on weekends and during holiday periods.
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