By Andrew Starke
The Liquor Stores Association of Victoria (LSAV) and Master Grocers Australia (MGA) have announced their intention to merge and form a new organisation.
Liquor Retailers Australia (LRA) will come into being from July 1 and will represent the interests of standalone liquor stores and licensed independent supermarkets. It will be formed within the MGA framework and represent the interests of its members in all areas of liquor control and compliance.
LSAV president George Kovits and MGA president Rod Allen issued a joint statement today (Jun 11), saying both organisations had represented and supported their members vigilantly over the years.
“It is now time to combine resources and collectively work together to deliver better services and support to independent packaged liquor retailers in an every increasing world of rigorous compliance and regulations,” they. “Coming together is about the future strength and survival of the independent liquor retailer.”
Both presidents agreed that the combined membership strength of MGA, the LSAV and the balance of independent liquor retailers in Victoria (estimated at 1,500) will offer a greater opportunity to lift compliance and retailing standards in Victoria and other states.
The LRA hopes to provide a strengthened united voice for independent retailers in Victoria and will continue to operate as a member of the Australian Liquor Stores Association (ALSA).
The LRA will provide a strengthened united voice for independent retailers in Victoria and will continue to operate as a member of the Australian Liquor Stores Association (ALSA).