A national retailer’s plan to open a Liquorland inside Alstonville Plaza has sparked strong opposition from locals and business owners, who say the town doesn’t need another grog shop.

Coles Liquor has lodged an application to convert Shop 1C into a 219-square-metre Liquorland outlet.  The currently vacant space adjoins the Coles supermarket and was previously occupied by a pool shop,

If approved, it would be the second packaged liquor outlet at the Plaza, operating just metres away from long-time tenant Alstonville Cellars (main image above).

Coles Pushes ‘One-Stop Shop’

In its submission to Liquor and Gaming NSW, Coles claims Alstonville Cellars sits outside the Plaza precinct and that its proposal would provide a “true one-stop shopping experience” for supermarket customers.

The store would open 8am–9pm Monday to Saturday and 10am–8pm Sundays, with seasonal adjustments in line with the supermarket.

Liquorland promises a “sophisticated” layout featuring wine, beer and spirits zones, boutique and locally sourced ranges, and clear signage and pricing. 

It also plans regular wine tastings, Click & Collect services and online ordering to combine grocery and liquor shopping.

Coles says the new outlet would create jobs, boost foot traffic at the Plaza, and expand consumer choice with more than 400 exclusive Liquorland products.

It also points to crime data showing alcohol-related assaults in the local area are below the NSW average, arguing the new store is unlikely to increase harm.

Community Pushback

But locals aren’t convinced.  Some say they’d rather see Coles investing in expanding the existing supermarket rather than add another alcohol outlet.

Others have also questioned the submission’s claim that Alstonville only has one packaged liquor licence.

Vincent Chee, licensee of the Federal Hotel, said the claim ignores the fact his venue already sells takeaway alcohol — and has plans for a new bottle shop as part of a $5 million renovation.

“They never mentioned we already have a small bottle shop here,” he said.

“Our DA has been in the works for more than two years and has finally been approved.

“We’ll be adding a proper bottle shop to the Federal Hotel as part of a major investment in this community, restoring a significant heritage building.

“Two bottle shops in Alstonville should be more than enough.

“Bringing in a big national chain risks undermining local businesses that are already serving the community and supporting local sport and events.”

Mr Chee said he would be making a submission opposing the Liquorland proposal, arguing that the Plaza would be better off attracting a different type of business.

What Happens Next

Public submissions on the Liquorland application are open until October 15 via Liquor and Gaming NSW’s noticeboard:
👉 lngnoticeboard.onegov.nsw.gov.au

If approved, Liquorland would join Alstonville Cellars, the Federal Hotel’s new bottle shop, and the Wollongbar Tavern’s outlet just five minutes away, adding to what many residents already see as a well-serviced market.