Alcohol given OK at choc factory

A CHOCOLATE factory on the Great Ocean Road will soon sell alcohol from its premises, despite some residents complaining the move would not be “family-friendly”.

The Surf Coast Shire voted 7-1 at its meeting on Tuesday to approve a liquor licence for the venue.

The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery (GORCI) application to the council for a permit to allow the sale and consumption of liquor prompted 12 objections from the community.

Objections related to concerns around its proposed hours being similar to a pub, having liquor at the venue would not be “family-friendly”, and increased traffic issues and accidents.

Planning permit application documents lodged with the council noted the applicants hoped the sale of alcohol from the popular venue would help keep the business afloat following COVID-19.

“The impact of the pandemic has resulted in a significant downturn in visitors to GORCI, which has resulted in economic loss,” the application read. “By serving alcohol, the sale return per visitor may be increased, thus helping longterm viability of the GORCI.”

An original condition of the 2015 permit for the venue stated the site must not be used for sale or consumption of liquor.

At the meeting, councillor Gary Allen said the business was “extremely well run” and would be a “very controlled and pleasant setting” for the consumption of alcohol.

“As a country, we have to mature our attitudes towards alcohol consumption,” he said.