The Chamber was informed by local media today that Coles and Woolworths have been granted liquor licences to trade in Margaret River. By way of background, last year the Chamber conducted a survey of its membership to gauge their collective opinion as regards the issuing of licences to Coles and Woolworths.  90% of chamber members objected to the granting of a liquor licence to Coles and 88% objected to Woolworths being granted a licence. Chamber members objection recorded in the survey was stronger than their objection to the recent coal mining proposal in the region. The Chamber acted on your behalf and objected collectively to the granting of both licences. The determination by the commissioners, therefore, is disappointing.

In essence the commission did not believe the granting of the licences would have an adverse effect on the town’s amenity. It would be fair to say that the majority of our members and indeed the majority of our community does not agree with the commission.

However, although the executive has not met to discuss the determinations, it is unlikely the Chamber will pursue the matter further.

Yours faithfully.
Pauline McLeod
President.