Bunbury Local Drug Action Group convener Gary Henderson fears the dangers of more liquor warehouses in Bunbury.
THE addition of another liquor warehouse will continue to foster a culture of dangerous drinking in Bunbury, according to the Local Drug Action Group.
First Choice Liquor at the Homemaker’s Centre is currently under construction and will have more than 1,000sq m of floor space.
Bunbury and Districts Local Drug Action Group convener Garry Henderson said premises of such size could pose a risk to the community.
“These are huge warehouses of misery,” he said.
“There is no real governance at these outlets to stop you from buying 20 cartons of grog and sharing it with underage mates.
The local grandfather said action group members met monthly to discuss and spearhead community issues stemming from alcohol and drug use.
Mr Henderson said the group lodged numerous complaints against First Choice Liquor during the period for public submission but had been unsuccessful.
Citygate principal Geoff Prosser said the store had simply relocated from another Homemaker Centre location and would not cause antisocial behaviour.
A former alcoholic himself, Mr Henderson said he recognised the risks of drinking to dangerous levels.
“I left that life behind – no one in their right mind would advise these warehouses if they knew the problems they cause.
“In the end, it is just a building with bottles – but our drinking culture fuels the fire.”
Mr Henderson suggested better education and self-control to curb drinking problems.
City of Bunbury community safety officer Peta Nolan said research had suggested the physical availability of alcohol directly related to the likelihood people would come in contact with it.
Mrs Nolan said Bunbury had 21 premises that were permitted to sell take away alcohol.
“Alcohol misuse results in financial, social and environmental costs to the City and can undermine the wellbeing of our community,” she said.
