PMM:KAA

TS:TP:22032

18 December 2009

Back Schwartz Vaughan

Solicitors & Attorneys

DX 110

SYDNEY

Attention: Tony Schwartz

Dear Sirs,

Woolworths Limited - Application for grant of packaged liquor licence

Property: 159 Macquarie Road, Springwood

I am writing as one of the principals of McPhee Kelshaw Pty Limited, which practices from premises almost directly opposite 159 Macquarie Road, Springwood.

McPhee Kelshaw, Solicitors, object to the establishment of a further liquor outlet in Springwood.

Springwood already has a number of licensed premises all within about 100-200 metres radius from 159 Macquarie Road, Springwood. Those licensed premises include Springwood Sports Club, The Oriental Hotel, The Royal Hotel, Springwood Cellars (a liquor shop opposite the Oriental Hotel), and two, possibly three, licensed restaurants. The Springwood population is therefore more than adequately served by the existing liquor outlets.

The NSW Commissioner for Police was recently interviewed on ABC Radio, in relation to the contribution of alcohol to antisocial behaviour. He said that one of the factors, which had been identified, as increasing the prevalence of antisocial behaviour, was the density of liquor outlets. Based on his views, an additional bottle shop will have that result.

From the experience gained by me over 35 years of legal practice, dealing extensively with family law cases, alcohol is a major factor in a number of marriage breakdowns (sometimes the cause, sometimes the result of the breakdown).

The community has nothing to be gained by a further liquor outlet being established. Indeed, based on experience in other areas, it has much to lose.

There are a number of far more positive uses, to which the premises at 159 Macquarie Road, Springwood, could be devoted, rather than as another bottle shop.

McPhee Kelshaw therefore objects in the strongest possible terms to a packaged liquor license, or any other liquor license, being granted for the above premises, or for any other premises in the Springwood Business District.

Yours faithfully

McPhee Kelshaw

Paul McPhee