mmg.com.au

It is still unclear whether or not a Coles Liquorland will be opened in Deniliquin.

There is speculation the alcohol outlet will be opened by April, but a spokesperson from the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) said there had been no official application lodged for a liquor licence.

The spokesperson said Coles must first complete an impact statement, which includes asking for submissions from the community.

Coles officially revealed an intention to apply for a liquor licence for the development late last year.

It posted a sign on the window of the former Videoland building adjacent the Hardinge St supermarket, where the bottleshop is proposed to be set up.

The notice of intention is part of the legal process of applying for a liquor licence.

Several publicans are believed to be working together to stop Liquorland from opening.

A spokesperson for the publicans declined to comment on the situation, but agreed a Coles Liquorland would place significant pressure on their businesses.

A similar push to stop the chain store from being opened in 1998 was won, but publicans say the battle may be more difficult this time around.

In 1998 they used an argument that the town was already over serviced, but the spokesperson said rule changes regarding the restriction of trade would hinder them from using the same defence a second time.

Deniliquin Council originally approved a development application for the proposed business which means Coles may not have to go back to council to push ahead with the development now.

As long as the proposal matches the original development application Deniliquin Council will not be involved in the process, council’s town planner Julie Rogers said.

‘‘There is an existing development consent at the Coles complex which would allow the establishment of a liquor outlet without the need to obtain a further development consent from council,’’ she said.

‘‘This is providing they propose to operate within the terms of the existing development consent. If they operate within the terms of the original consent then they will not need to notify council of their use of the building.’’