QLD: The state full of supermarkets with no beer

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-1999
QLD: The state full of supermarkets with no beer

Queensland retailers warn a recommendation to keep a state-wide ban on supermarkets selling
beer and wine won't be popular with Queenslanders.

A government-appointed committee reviewing liquor licensing laws as part of national
competition policy has made the recommendation, saying the social cost will be too high.

The Retailers' Association of Queensland says the committee has handled the review
shabbily.

Tourism Minister BOB GIBBS says the one recommendation leaked to a Brisbane newspaper is
not the full picture and most people will be happy with the committee's recommendations.

Mr GIBBS says the review committee has acknowledged Queensland's ban on alcohol sales in
supermarkets is anti-competitive but recommends it remains because the social cost of
competition is too high.

But retailers' association vice-president BERNIE BROOKES says the ban on supermarkets
selling alcohol is not popular.

He says a survey commissioned by the association shows 72 per cent of Queenslanders want
alcohol sold in supermarkets.

AAP RTV bja/am/shm/am

KEYWORD: ALCOHOL (BRISBANE)

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