The idea for ‘alcohol harm zones’ in Victoria to reduce the impact of family violence

A coalition of health, religious and community groups are proposing ‘alcohol harm zones’ to restrict applications for bottle shops in areas with high rates of family violence.

Victorian Alcohol Policy Coalition spokesperson Mark Zirnsak said the idea is not to create “dry areas”.

“Certain areas would be identified as having higher levels of alcohol related harm particularly around family violence, it would be about restricting new licenses going in those areas,” he told Neil Mitchell.

“There is a very strong correlation between bottle shops and liquor barns and the number of those you have, and the leel of family violence in those areas.”

He said based on their data, areas to restrict bottle shop licences included the La Trobe Valley and Mildura.

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