By James Atkinson
Aldi has over the last two months lodged applications for another 14 liquor licences in New South Wales.
Aldi was the worst affected by a crackdown late last year by NSW liquor regulators on discounted liquor, with a number of its bottleshop applications deferred and subsequently rejected, and special licence conditions imposed on others.
But the retailer has pressed ahead with its liquor rollout in recent months, lodging applications for new licences for NSW stores located mostly in Sydney, the Hunter and coastal surrounds.
Through its legal representatives, Hatzis Cusack, Aldi has lodged Community Impact Statements arguing its case for the new licence approvals, which centre on its limited opening hours and product lines and assurances to sell only non-refrigerated liquor.
It is as yet unclear whether Aldi will appeal the rejection of its application for a licence in Taree, after Hatzis Cusack in May requested a Statement of Reasons on the retailer's behalf as to why the application was denied.
According to its website, Aldi currently has liquor available in 30 of its NSW stores along with 94 in Victoria and eight in the ACT.
Aldi spokespersons have repeatedly declined to comment to TheShout.