Nine councils push booze-barn ban to reduce alcohol-related assaults

BOOZE superstores would be barred from local shopping strips and bottle shops would be forced to shut no later than 9pm as suburban councils unite to curb alcohol-fuelled violence.

BOOZE superstores would be barred from local shopping strips as nine suburban councils unite to curb alcohol-fuelled violence.

Bottle shops would be forced to shut no later than 9pm and would not be built near schools or health services, which deal with the effects of alcohol.

The plan comes amid concern saturation of liquor outlets in some areas is driving up assaults, family violence and alcohol-related illness.

PARAMEDICS IN PERIL AS ATTACKS DOUBLE

FAMILY VIOLENCE OFFENDERS UNDER WATCH

A group of councils — most from Melbourne’s southeast — are readying to apply to Victoria’s planning minister to make the booze-busting plan law. Bass Coast, Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Knox, Maroondah and Mornington Peninsula councils have joined forces for the crackdown.

It would see large-format packaged liquor outlets directed to major activity centres where they are “accessible but not convenient”.

BABY BOOMERS ARE OUR BIGGEST BOOZERS

Every adult spent an average $800 a year on packaged booze.

Booze stores would be discouraged in areas of socio-economic disadvantage and where there was an oversupply of similar businesses.

They would be built at least 400m from places where minors predominantly gathered, and health services which provided substance treatment.

About 80 per cent of alcohol consumed in Australia is sold through package liquor outlets.

A July 2015 report analysing their concentration in Melbourne’s southeast identified an alcohol “harm” corridor through Frankston, Dandenong and Cranbourne and on to Pakenham. Hastings was also a hot spot.

There were 361 packaged liquor outlets across the southeast with each spanning an average 160sq m.

Every adult spent an average $800 a year on packaged booze.

Victoria Police provided data to help gauge alcohol harm.

Booze stores would be discouraged in areas of socio-economic disadvantage and where there was an oversupply of similar businesses.

“We know excessive drinking can lead to serious consequences, including violent crime and anti-social behaviour,’’ spokeswoman Hannah McDonald said.

“Victoria Police supports evidenced-based approaches that have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing alcohol-related crime and harm to individuals, families and communities from alcohol misuse.

“We are also aware of research which shows a relationship between alcohol accessibility and rates of family violence.

“Alcohol, like drugs and mental illness, may be a stressor in family situations, however it cannot be said to be a cause of family violence.”

Patrick Lane, spokesman for Planning Minister Richard Wynne, said the planning amendments were not yet before the minister but would be considered on merit if submitted.

“Family violence is a scourge on society and if there is more that we can do to prevent it, we will,’’ Mr Lane said.

Cardinia and Casey councils failed to answer questions.

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