Darwin-based health and Indigenous groups have been fiercely opposed to the company’s plans to build the site given its proximity to communities that have severe restrictions on alcohol consumption,believing it could cause unnecessary harm.
The Independent Liquor Commission had already dismissed Woolworth’s application due to the store’s proposed location. However,the supermarket giant appealed the decision and was granted authorisation following a rule change by the NT government that sidelined the independent body and gave the director of liquor sole authorisation over the process.
The approval is subject to a number of conditions with Woolworths required to verify that every customer has a ‘legitimate address’ at which to consume liquor. The store will also have reduced trading hours,restricted online orders,and CCTV surveillance.
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Woolworths will also self-impose a number of restrictions,including limiting the range of available products and a higher minimum unit price,meaning prices on certain items are unlikely to be substantially lower than other liquor outlets.
Community groups expressed disappointment over the decision and accused Woolworths of “corporate willful blindness”,comparing the decision to the destruction of Juukan Gorge by mining company Rio Tinto.
“I believe the decision by Woolworths chairman Gordon Cairns and CEO Brad Banducci to aggressively pursue their desired outcome is a good example of corporate wilful blindness,” said Olga Havnen,the chief executive of Danila Dilba Health Service.