‘The proposed Darwin Dan Murphy’s would have the most stringent set of alcohol control policies’: Woolworths chairman

WOOLWORTHS has announced an independent review into its controversial bid to open a Dan Murphy’s outlet in Darwin, even if it is granted a licence after a protracted, long-drawn out, almost five-year application process

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WOOLWORTHS announced today it will complete an Independent Panel Review (IPR) of its proposed Darwin Dan Murphy’s retail outlet, ensuring the store will serve the community in a safe and responsible manner.

The review, which will be headed by the managing partner of leading transaction, regulatory and disputes law firm Gilbert + Tobin Danny gilbert AM, is planned to be completed and publicly released by April 2021.

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If a licence is granted by Director of Liquor Licensing Philip Timney, no works will begin until the review is complete with recommendations to be taken into account.

The panel will focus on reviewing the adequacy and nature of stakeholder engagement and the health concerns, how stakeholder concerns have been factored into the decision making and the best practice to apply to the supply and sale of alcohol, to ensure the best interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are maintained.

Mr Timney has until Sunday to make a decision on Dan Murphy’s but remains tight-lipped about when it will be handed down.

Woolworths Group chairman Gordon Cairns said Endeavour Drinks had extensive community engagement with key stakeholders in relation to the proposed store.

“As part of this engagement, the team has committed to a number of measures as well as a Responsible Service and Consumption Plan, which would mean the proposed Darwin Dan Murphy’s would have the most stringent set of alcohol control policies anywhere in the country,” he said.

“While stakeholder engagement has been extensive to date, we acknowledge that there are some in the community that feel they have not been adequately consulted regarding the proposed store.

“The IPR will provide a further opportunity for them and other stakeholders with a legitimate interest in the development to express their views.”

Dan Murphy's new site in Darwin showing distance from Bagot Indigenous community

Woolworths has already adjusted its plans in line with community concerns, moving the proposed retail 1.3km further away from concerned Indigenous communities, on November 12.

Mr Cairns said the review would also help inform comprehensive decision making by senior management and the Woolworths board.

“This reflects both the strong level of community interest in the development and the importance of ensuring that sufficiently robust plans are in place regarding the responsible service of alcohol,” Mr Cairns said.

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“In particular, that the proposed development will mitigate any potential risk of harm to local indigenous communities.”

The IPR will run in parallel with Endeavour Group’s continued stakeholder and community engagement.

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Originally published as ‘The proposed Darwin Dan Murphy’s would have the most stringent set of alcohol control policies’: Woolworths chairman