Alcohol report draws praise

Jim Mynard
THERE was evidence that the high density of liquor outlets was a powerful driver of levels of alcohol consumption and harm, according to Springfield Ward councillor Lorraine Wreford.
Cr Wreford made her comments at the 21 November council meeting when she praised a report into the impact of licensed liquor premises on the City of Casey.
Cr Wreford noted that the report called for a balance.
“The report said we have evidence that outlet density is a powerful driver of levels of consumption and harm.
“It says there is need to develop and test a practical model for approving liquor licenses so as to maintain a balance between meeting consumer demand and addressing public health and safety issues.”
Cr Wreford has in the past expressed concern about the impact of easily obtainable alcohol on young people.
Casey manager of planning Bob Baggio said in the report that alcohol consumption caused 4286 deaths a year in Australia and 395,000 hospital bed days a year.
He said alcohol was second only to tobacco as a preventable cause of death and hospitalisation.
He said nine per cent of Australians consumed alcohol on a daily basis and that one in 10 drank at levels considered risky to high risk for alcohol related harm in the long term.