BWS Airport Tavern reopens months after Declan Laverty’s alleged murder

New safety features are a prominent part of the reopening of a Darwin bottleshop where Declan Laverty was tragically stabbed to death. See the pictures.

A Darwin bottleshop has reopened its doors for the first time since the tragic death of beloved staff member Declan Laverty in a fatal stabbing three months ago.

The Airport Tavern BWS store will restart trading at 10am on Wednesday, 131 days after the 20-year-old’s alleged murder.

BWS managing director Scott Davidson said the team was excited for the reopening.

“We think it’s important to reopen the store because it’s played an important part in the local community and we know how important it is to get the store open and get back to some sort of normality for our team,” he said.

BWS managing director Scott Davidson behind the bar of the new-look bottleshop. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Davidson said new aspects had been added to improve safety, including improved lighting and visibility and new lockable spirit cabinets which can be opened with a remote control.

“First and foremost team and customer safety will be the most important thing for this particular store,” he said.

“We’ve made a number of changes and we’ve done it through consulting our team.”

A company spokeswoman said the bottleshop’s staff and customers would “never be the same” after the shocking incident.

BWS Airport Tavern will reopen its doors on Wednesday. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“The memory of what took place at this store sits heavy with all of us,” she said.

“Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our team members and the broader community when shopping with us.

“We would like to thank the community for the patience and support over recent months and we look forward to reconnecting with our community at the Airport Tavern Drive store.”

Public Memorial Service for Declan Laverty Memorial Plaque 22/4/23 at Airport Tavern BWS Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A plaque remains at the base of a tree outside the store, immortalising Declan’s legacy as a “dearly loved son, brother, uncle and teammate”.

As the early shockwaves of Declan’s death rippled across the Territory, BWS stores across the region adjusted opening hours to protect staff, closing at 6pm while the company conducted a full internal review.

Lighting and better visibility is clear throughout the bottleshop. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Lockable and remote-controlled spirit cabinets feature in the new story. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Increasing safety was a big part of the store reopening. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

In March, fellow bottleshop owner, employer and mother of teenage boys, Zuccoli IGA and Cellarbrations owner Shelly Lay said Declan’s death “hits close to home”.

“All bottleshop owners feel like we’ve lost one of our own,” she said through tears.

“It’s hit the Territory community so hard because everyone knows a bottleshop worker.

“We all know someone that this could have actually happened to.

“I just wish that the love the community has and the emotion we’re all feeling, could bring him back.”