How Daylesford residents stood up to Dan Murphy’s and won
One of Australia’s largest liquor stores has been banned from doing business in a tourist town over potential ‘harm’ to the community.
Dan Murphy’s application to open a store in Daylesford, 103km northwest of Melbourne, was rejected after 200 residents opposed the proposal with the support of the local council.
The city, which will host popular Channel Nine series The Block next year, celebrated the historic decision by the Victorian Liquor Licence Commission (VLLC), which was announced on Wednesday.
It was the first time The new definition of “harm” was used under the Liquor Control Reform Act to deny a license.
The VLLC ruled that the risk of harm to the Daylesford community outweighed the positive benefits.
“The decision was made primarily on the basis that granting the permit would pose a public risk, encourage harm … and have negative social impacts,” said Bradley Thomas, chief executive of Hepburn Shire Council.
‘The Committee concludes that there is a significant risk that granting the licence would result in an increase in the secondary supply of alcohol to minors in Daylesford and an increase in underage drinking and harm from underage alcohol misuse and abuse.’
Dan Murphy’s application to open a store in Daylesford, a town 103km northwest of Melbourne, was rejected by the Victorian Liquor Licence Commission
Two hundred local residents are opposing the drinks giant’s application to open a store in the town, fearing it would be detrimental to the community.
Mr Thomas added that the decision was also driven by “a number of factors”, including local, social, demographic and geographical circumstances.
Local businesses were pleased with the ruling.
“We were determined as a community to do the impossible,” distillery owner Basil Eliades told the ABC.
“We are extremely relieved and grateful for this decision.”
A spokesman for Endeavour Group, which represents Dan Murphy’s, told Herald Sun There was ‘consideration of next steps’ following the VLLC ruling.
The spokesperson added that Endeavour Group “takes our responsible service obligations seriously”.
‘[We] “have a strong track record in promoting responsible consumption,” they said.
“We have always worked closely with local stakeholders and will continue to do so in the future.”
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Endeavour Group for further comment.
According to the 2021 census, Daylesford (pictured) has a permanent resident population of 2,781
Mayor Brian Hood is optimistic about the positive response Daylesford will receive when The Block is hosted next year.
“The expectation is that the production will provide a boost to the local economy,” Hood said in July.
‘We strongly encourage producers, participants and the support team to shop and eat local, ensuring that the economic benefits flow back into our community.’
Daylesford was founded in 1852 as a gold mining town and has a permanent population of 2,781.
The city is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, historical charm and vibrant local culture. During weekends and holiday periods, the city’s population increases dramatically.