Endeavour Drinks meets to discuss next step in Darwin Dan Murphy’s application

FINDING a new location for the proposed Dan Murphy’s superstore in Darwin may not be possible for Endeavour Drinks Group.

An artist’s impression of the proposed Dan Murphy’s business development in the new airport commercial precinct which has been knocked back by the Liquor Commission. Picture: Supplied

FINDING a new location for the proposed Dan Murphy’s superstore in Darwin may not be possible for Endeavour Drinks Group, given time constraints on any appeal.

The firm met on Monday to decide its next move in the Northern Territory, which business development manager James Scott-Mackenzie says will be the first of many.

“It went well but no firm decisions have been made,” he says.

The NT Liquor Commission is not averse to the concept of a Dan Murphy’s store but sees the proposed location as problematic, saying it could contribute to alcohol-related harm.

The firm has 28 days to appeal and find a new location, a task Scott-Mackenzie says may be a big ask.

Deputy Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro says any appeal may struggle to be accepted under current laws.

THE STORY SO FAR

LIQUOR giant Dan Murphy’s Darwin superstore application rejected by Liquor Commission

ANTI-alcohol bodies to lodge objections against Dan Murphy’s Darwin application

LIQUOR Commission, Endeavour Drinks, objectors agree on final hearing date

DAN Murphy’s Darwin push to pass important step

LIQUOR superstore Dan Murphy’s pleased with Darwin Council‘s eventual support

She says Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s claims he would engage with the department of business to help Dan Murphy’s were simply face-saving efforts.

“The chief minister has been disingenuous about supporting Dan Murphy’s going forward, it’s too little too late, he’s done everything in his power to stop Dan Murphy’s coming to Darwin since 2016 and to now try and extend an olive branch is laughable,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

LIQUOR LICENCES

COUNCIL allows local nightspot two hours grace in liquor licence application

PALMERSTON council to object to Gateway bottle shop liquor application

HAIR Dude salon granted liquor licence to serve alcohol to customers

“This decision is a bad decision made by a Liquor Commission that is constrained by bad policy and the only person responsible is the chief minister.”

Ms Finocchiaro says policies such as the 400 square metre floor space cap had constrained the Liquor Commission.

AMAZING $3.50 a week* deal: YOUR NT News subscription delivers much, much more than you expect

Public Health Association of Australia NT branch spokeswoman Dr Rosalie Schultz says the Liquor Commission’s decision backs strong evidence from the community about the potential harm alcohol can cause people.

NT News tablet art

CLICK HERE for full details on our tablet offer above

“It’s incredibly disappointing to see Chief Minister Michael Gunner categorically dispute the commission’s decision, as if he believes we need more alcohol in Darwin.”