Purse snatcher says "I can't afford booze AND groceries lady"

It was a very astute piece of planning that caused the local Wyong Shire Council or some other Government department to allow a Liquorland outlet right at the front of the Cole’s Supermarket at Budgewoi.

If you were to mention the existing alcohol outlet at the end of the same group of shops and wonder why two are needed so close to one another you might have the term “competition” brought to your attention. It is suggested that having a monster franchise crush your local guy fosters better deals for the public (that is us).

Having an outlet right at the front of a grocery store is also a coup for the Liquorland franchise that another supplier of alcohol cannot possibly match in any way that might be considered competitive.

One way that you could build a bigger customer base in a small town like Budgewoi might be if you consider the impact of having an alcohol outlet at the absolute front of a grocery store. It looks all bright and shiny and inviting right there under your nose.

Imagine having a bit of a drinking problem. Someone starts out to do the right thing but there they stand with a hand full of grocery money and all that well lit temptation right in their face. It has to be a great way to increase sales. Coles is not to blame if they have no self control!

There have been several days when a small line of children stood across the front of the entrance to Liquorland looking in. That never happens at the other outlet down the end of the street. They are out of the way for most people and apart from a few locals only people going to buy a bottle or so will be in front of that shop.

They have been very foolish not to consider the extra sales from the hapless and get a grocery store built next door.

The children who stand by the front of Liquorland are having alcohol become a recognized norm in their lives. Booze will be associated with shopping for groceries. Groceries and alcohol in the same store right next to the bread and fruit. It will be as natural as breathing to grab a few bottles while shopping as soon as they are old enough, maybe sooner!

In the light of all that perhaps there will be enough customers to keep two outlets alive in the same little strip of shops eventually. What a great idea!