Darwin Dan Murphy’s ban a ridiculous decision that should be overturned

THE Territory Liquor Commission has made a stupid decision in not allowing Dan Murphy’s to set up where they wanted in the Top End — and it needs to be overturned quickly

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

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THE Territory Liquor Commission has made a stupid decision in not allowing Dan Murphy’s to set up where they wanted in the Top End — and it needs to be overturned quickly.

Darwin is the only capital city in Australia which doesn’t have a Dan Murphy’s.

The reality is the controversy over building a Dan Murphy’s in Darwin should have never made it this far.

We understand the social issues surrounding alcohol in the Territory but, once again, this is the majority being punished for the sins of a minority.

The Territory is in the midst of a population crisis and it’s things like not having a Dan Murphy’s which drives people away from the Territory.

If you’re living in a capital city, you want to feel like you’re not missing out on what other capital cities enjoy.

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A Dan Murphy’s is one of life’s small pleasures for responsible drinkers — not to mention it would increase competition and reduce prices for consumers, thus reducing the cost of living.

The Liquor Commission has largely blamed the proposed location as the main barrier to approving a Dan Murphy’s but it’s clear the hotels lobby in the Territory has way more influence than we thought.

We now have a ludicrous situation in Darwin where we have liquor stores situated alongside other main roads but Dan Murphy’s aren’t allowed to build and operate a store on land owned by the Darwin Airport.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner rightly came out on Friday saying he disagreed with the decision but his government is now facing serious questions as to whether its alcohol reforms have gone too far.

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Yes, the Liquor Commission is independent from government but a majority of the public will look at this decision and link it to the Gunner Government taking us into “nanny state” territory.

The Commission, despite its 103-page report, has failed to impose a lens of common sense on its decision.

Whatever can be done to overturn this farce, which strikes at the heart of us wanting to develop as a true Australian capital city, must happen now.