Worry over cricket club liquor licence

By Rebecca Fraser
A CONTROVERSIAL liquor licence application has been granted to a Narre Warren Southbased cricket club despite community objection.
Liquor Licensing Victoria (LLV) granted the limited licence to the Maranatha Methodist Cricket Club (MMCC) earlier this month, after the matter was heard at a panel hearing in December.
A spokesperson for the LLV said several objections to the proposal had been tabled.
The application sparked community concern last year (News, 29 September) when Narre Warren South resident Suzanne Brendel collected more than 30 signatures objecting to the original proposed licence hours at the Strathaird Reserve clubrooms in Narre Warren South.
These hours included 11pm on most weeknights, and from noon until midnight on Saturday and Sunday.
However, these trading hours were revised in October to 6pm to 10pm on Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 11.30pm on Saturday and noon to 10pm on Sunday, when the City of Casey Council expressed support for the application, and have been stated on the new licence.
The limited licence is only in force during October to March, and the licensee is authorised to supply liquor during a sporting event from a specified point of sale.
It is restricted to four cans or plastic cups of light or heavy beer per person, and two cans or plastic cups of spiritbased drinks per person, opened at the point of sale.
Following the application’s approval, Ms Brendel said she knew the licence would be accepted but she was grateful that the trading hours had been reduced and would be more considerate of residents.
However, she said she hoped the MMCC would act responsibly and expressed concern that the Narre Warren South Club rooms were often left unlocked.
“I have seen the door unlocked about five times late at night and on weekends.
“I rang the police on Saturday night to alert them that the building had been left unsecured.
“There are thousands of dollars worth of equipment inside as well as alcohol. Who’s to say what people might get up to in there?
“It amazes me that the keys have been entrusted with someone who is obviously very irresponsible,” she said.
Ms Brendel said she was also concerned for the building as other community groups used it.
“I am concerned for the building’s sake as young people may get in and vandalise the place or stock could possible be stolen.
“It is just common sense,” she said.
Casey deputy mayor and secretary of the MMCC, Rob Wilson, said he had been to the club rooms on Saturday night and they were locked.
He labelled the reports a hoax and an attempt to make the club look bad.