Proprietor joins street drinking objectors
The proprietor of a "proposed bottle shop" in Booker Bay has joined objectors who oppose drunkenness in the street.
Mr Ian Thomas said he had applied for a liquor-free zoning outside his shop.
"I dont want anyone drinking out the front either," he said.
"Council assured me that the liquor-free zone would go ahead concurrently with permission for me to sell alcohol."
Mr Thomas said he wanted to supply liquor, but only as an adjunct to the existing Booker Bay General Store business.
"It wont be a big component of our sales," he said.
"Its only meant to be a service because people have asked for it.
"I got about 125 signatures in two days in support of what I want to do.
"Often the nearby marinas customers ask where the nearest bottle shop is.
"A lot of people cant walk up to a kilometre away to buy alcohol and if they drive into Ettalong they often cant get parking easily.
"It was never meant to be a full-on bottle shop."
Mr Thomas said he had also applied to Australia Post to be a sub-agency.
Council had received objections from 83 residents about the proposal.
They said they believed that, if the development were to go ahead, a similar situation to that of Empire Bay would be created where alcohol was consumed near the shop.
They were worried that this would lead to an increase in crime and accidents.
Mr Thomas said any of the objectors were welcome to visit him or his wife at the shop to discuss the matter.
Carl Spears, April 4