New liquor outlet approved for Horsham

Horsham will have a new liquor store after Horsham Rural City Council granted a planning permit following debate on Monday night.

Five of seven councillors voted to allow On Tap Liquor Consulting to sell packaged liquor from the former Supercheap Auto building at 66 Hamilton Street.

Crs Josh Koenig and John Robinson voted against granting a permit. Cr Koenig argued the location was inappropriate.

The new Cellarbrations store will be adjacent to Grampians Community Health, which is moving its headquarters to the former Wades building.

Headspace Horsham also opened in Hamilton Street in May.

Cr Koenig said people leaving alcohol or other drug counselling services at Grampians Community Health should not be immediately confronted with signs showcasing liquor deals.

He said although there were several other stores selling packaged liquor in the area, they were not in the direct eyeline of a counselling service.

But Cr Grimble argued On Tap Liquor Consulting applied for a permit for the Hamilton Street address before the two health services established themselves in the street.

He said refusing the permit would send a message that Horsham was not open for business.

Mayor Pam Clarke said the new store would sell ‘high-end wines’.

“It will not be targeting young people, but a niche market,” she said.

“It will create employment and generate economic growth.”