Petrol stations and convenience stores in Tasmania are pushing to be able to sell alcohol as they struggle during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores said existing alcohol laws were ‘archaic and inconsistent’ and ‘unfairly favoured the major supermarkets’.
The lobby group represent 200 petrol stations in Tasmania, with AACS CEO Jeff Rogut telling Daily Mail Australia the change would be positive for consumers, as buying habits had changed due to COVID-19.
‘Some of our operators have been hit very hard, especially in the CBD areas where foot traffic just doesn’t exist anymore now people are working from home,’ he said.
Tasmanian petrol stations and convenience stores have pushed for the right to sell alcohol as they struggle amid coronavirus (stock image)
‘We see it as an opportunity for not just our operators but also our consumers who don’t want to go into a large liquor barn just to buy beer or wine on their way home.’
Four convenience stores across the state have had applications for a liquor licence rejected by Tasmania’s liquor licensing commission this year.
Tasmania’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council chief executive Alison Lai told The Mercury increasing the availability of alcohol into the community could have devastating consequences.
‘We need to be very cautious when considering how alcohol products are sold,’ she said. ‘We know that selling alcohol in places where young people come and go every day has an impact on their relationship with alcohol.
‘We also know that the number of places that you can buy alcohol has an impact on the level of harm it has in a community.’
A similar proposal demanding the government lift restrictions banning convenience stores from selling alcohol was put to Queensland parliamentary in July.
Four convenience stores and petrol stations across the state have had applications for a liquor licence rejected by Tasmania’s liquor licensing commission this year
But Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said the proposal would not be considered with the inquiry focusing more on supporting employment.
‘Our overwhelming focus is on supporting jobs and employment in Queensland, including our pubs, clubs and other licensed venues as they emerge from coronavirus restrictions,’ Ms D’Ath said.
Mr Rogut said allowing alcohol in convenience stores would bring Australia into line with operators in Europe, the U.S and south-east Asia.
‘About 70 per cent of the alcohol industry is controlled by the two major supermarket groups in some shape or form, so all we are asking is the opportunity to compete in a level playing field,’ he said.
Mr Rogut said operators had already shown their ability to responsibly sell adult restricted items such as tobacco and lottery tickets and the industry would be happy to comply with all alcohol regulations.
He said while there is support for the proposal in the Parliament, none will publicly back it as they do not want to be seen as increasing the availability of alcohol.
The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores said the change to allow alcohol sales would be positive for businesses and consumers
‘When I have spoken to them one-on-one I have not had a singe politician that has disagreed with the proposal,’ he said.
‘But when we ask them if they will support these bills the vast majority say: “oh look we can’t do that, because there are no votes in it”.’
Mr Rogut said while increasing the availability of alcohol is a serious social issue that should be considered, he noted it had not stopped operators under Coles and Woolworths from opening up new stores.
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