Proposed Parnell liquor accord can be tougher

Aaron Bhatnagar, Hobson Community Board member and liquor licensing spokesman for Hobson Ward, today indicated his opinion that the proposed Parnell Liquor Accord for public places could be tougher.

“The liquor ban does not meet many of Parnell’s requirements with regards to drinking issues in the Parnell precinct. The proposal does not include a liquor ban on Wednesday, which is traditionally the day that tends to attract student drinking at bars and clubs in Parnell,” said Mr Bhatnagar.

“Frankly, any liquor accord that does not include a ban on public drinking for Wednesday would defeat the purpose of the accord,” said Mr Bhatnagar.

“Also, the liquor ban seems to only apply to the main Parnell Rd strip, but fails to include some of the side streets, particularly on the lower end of Parnell Rd, where there are pubs and clubs close to parks and reserves. The ban, in my opinion, should be extended all the way to the railway overpass where Stanley St is, and extend all the way up Parnell to the Cathedral,” said Mr Bhatnagar. This would include all the major reserves and parks along Parnell Rd.

“There are many excellent and upmarket bars and restaurants in the Parnell Precinct. They will not suffer from a liquor ban in public places. Rather, it may improve business by having public spaces that attract nightlife for all rather than temporary occupations during the evening by drinking youths. Local residents and patrons of businesses deserve a vibrant, safe and attractive Parnell at night,” said Mr Bhatnagar.

“I have submitted the above as my commentary on the proposal. I hope council takes these opinions on board,” said Mr Bhatnagar.

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