Booze giant locked out of Daylesford in landmark alcohol ‘harm’ ruling

Booze giant Dan Murphy’s has been locked out of a Victorian town in a landmark decision based on the community “harm” it could cause. Filming of The Block, meanwhile, is welcome.

Grog giant Dan Murphy’s has been locked out of Daylesford in a landmark decision based on the “harm” and public risk caused by alcohol.

More than 200 people from the Victorian spa town — which is set to host filming of reality TV juggernaut The Block next year — objected to an application by the liquor store to establish itself in the town.

Celebrating a decision by the Victorian Liquor Licence Commission (VLLC) to block Dan Murphy’s from Daylesford on Wednesday, the local Hepburn Shire Council said it had fought long and hard to keep the bottle-o out of town.

The council’s chief executive officer Bradley Thomas said the ruling was a landmark one, as it was the first time the new definition of “harm” under the Liquor Control Reform Act had been used to refuse a licence.

Dan Murphy's signature logo. Picture: Supplied

The inside of a premium Dan Murphy's store. Picture: Supplied

“The decision, which was announced this morning, was made namely on the basis that granting the licence could pose a public risk, encourage harm … and have adverse social impacts,” Mr Thomas said.

“The commission concludes that granting the licence would be conducive to or encourage harm, specifically to minors. In particular, 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. This conclusion is driven by the accumulation of a number of factors outlined above, deriving from the ‘particular local, social, demographic and geographic circumstances’ of Daylesford.”

A spokesperson for Endeavour Group, representing Dan Murphy’s, said it acknowledged the commission’s ruling, and was “currently reviewing next steps”.

The famous Lake House in Daylesford. Picture: Supplied

The main street of Daylesford. Picture: Supplied

“We take our responsible service obligations seriously and have a strong track record in

promoting responsible consumption. We have always worked in close consultation with local stakeholders and will continue to do so,” the spokesperson said.

In outlining its reasons for knocking back Dan Murphy’s Daylesford application, the VLLC said the risk of harm outweighed any positive benefits.

Last month Hepburn council mayor Brian Hood said Daylesford was set to provide a picturesque backdrop for the filming of The Block in 2025.

“It is anticipated that the production will generate a boost for the local economy. We would strongly encourage producers, contestants and the support crew to shop and eat local to ensure economic benefits flow back into our community,” he said.