Coalition to back small bars bill
In a coup for the independent MP Clover Moore’s push to have more small bars open up in a bid to “Melbournise” Sydney, the state Coalition is set to back her proposal to cut the cost of liquor licences for small premises. The Coalition will support Ms Moore’s bill to allow cheaper liquor licences for smaller establishments, according to an Opposition briefing note from its gaming and racing spokesman, George Souris, that has been obtained by the Herald. But Mr Souris has recommended the bill be amended to make the definition of a small bar as that which caters to 50 patrons, rather than 120, as Ms Moore proposes. The briefing note reserves the right to drop support for the bill should such provisions be introduced first in the Government’s upcoming Liquor Bill. The expected change of heart by the Coalition to support Ms Moore’s proposal follows the Labor MP for Menai, Alison Megarrity, breaking ranks at a caucus meeting last week to warn that the Government risked being viewed as too much in the pockets of the Australian Hotels Association if it opposed the small bars proposal. Sydney Morning Herald, October 29.
