Dan Murphy’s to appeal Liquor Commission rejection of Darwin superstore proposal

LIQUOR giant Dan Murphy’s will lodge an official appeal against the Liquor Commission’s rejection of its application to open a Darwin superstore

Dan Murphy's concept plans for its Darwin store which will be based in Eaton if an appeal against the Liquor Commission is successful.

DAN Murphy’s “excellent responsible service record” will help ensure a proposed Darwin superstore won’t have a negative impact on vulnerable neighbouring communities.

That argument will be key to an official appeal lodged by Dan Murphy’s parent company Endeavour Drinks, to the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT).

Endeavour Drinks corporate services general manager Shane Tremble said their reputation proved the store could be a success while maintaining high safety standards in the community.

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“We have been part of the NT community for a very long time and we appreciate the concerns that some in the community have regarding liquor stores,” he said.

“However, we have an excellent responsible service record across the country, and we remain serious and committed to working with the community, police and Government to alleviate these concerns.”

The initial decision saw a licence transfer from a Stuart Park BWS store to the proposed Eaton establishment denied given “the harmful consequences of easier access to cheaper alcohol for this community (within 2km of the store) would be significant and greatly outweigh the benefits the store would provide”, according to the Liquor Commission.

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Endeavour Drinks ruled out relocating the store’s location, with the appeal keeping Dan Murphy’s in Eaton and as a pinnacle of the Northern Territory Airports’ planned retail strip.

Northern Territory Airports chief executive Ian Kew said a successful investment by Dan Murphy’s would see other national outlets follow suit.

“It’s important for the future of the NT economy that the business community knows that Darwin is open for business and the decision from the Liquor Commission has the potential to dampen that outlook,” he said.

“It’s our view that we should be embracing economic growth in the Territory, rather than putting up hurdles.”

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If the proposed Dan Murphy’s is approved at the airport site, it will be the anchor tenant of the $30 million Darwin Airport Central development.

The project would also provide 150 local construction jobs on top of the 30 permanent roles for the management of the store.

The result of the appeal is expected in about six weeks.