Super sized liquor store proposal
A NEW bottle shop planned for Torquay will be one of the biggest liquor stores in the region if approved by the Surf Coast Shire council.
The operators of Cellarbrations Lorne have applied to council to transform a current Rivers clothing store — located next to McDonalds on Geelong Road — into a bottle shop.
Their proposed “Super Cellarbrations” store would provide a range of beer, wine and spirits, with more than 50 per cent of its stock to be sourced from the local region.
The 485sq m outlet would open between 9am and 11pm, with tastings also on offer.
A planning report said the proposal would not unreasonably impact the community and the hours proposed were consistent with the government approach to curbing late-night impacts.
It said the potential for negative impacts occurring at the site were considered to be “significantly lower” than what would potentially occur from a bar or nightclub.
“The proposal in introducing a bottle shop to this location will support both the needs of local residents and tourists,” it noted.
“Cellarbrations see this as an opportunity to deliver a bottle shop that specifically responds to the local region and is supported by traditional bottle shop stock.
“The proposal will enhance the liveability of the area by providing accessibility to a premise where alcohol can be purchased for consumption elsewhere.”
A number of local producers, including Scotchmans Hill and Austin Wines, supported the proposal.
“It is apparent from the letters of support provided that there is a demand from producers to have locations where their goods can be sold to the broader market,” the report reads.
The site sits opposite the Torquay police station, in front of a child care centre and next to a recently approved $29m development that will include a three-storey backpackers hotel and bar, KFC fast food outlet, childcare centre and cinema.
The proposal is currently being advertised for public comment.
The Surf Coast Shire council will make a decision on the application after April 26.