ALDI should be able to use the licence to sell packaged liquor from its supermarket during opening hours, but they will not sell refrigerated liquor from the Young store.

After rehearing the original application from Mill Tavern licensee Trent Auld, the Tribunal was satisfied that the overall social impact of granting the licence would not be detrimental to the well-being of the local or broader community. 

Mr Auld said in his application that the public would benefit from ALDI holding the liquor licence.

"There is a significant public benefit in the licence being transferred to ALDI as the licence conditions will only permit the sale of packaged liquor and ALDI proposes to sell only a limited range of about 100 products," he said.

"A well-managed liquor store within the supermarket is less likely to result in adverse social impacts.”

The tribunal said in its report it received a signed petition from 1,948 patrons of the ALDI supermarket in Young expressing their support for the application. "There is clear community support for the transfer of the licence to ALDI, " the report said.

"There are obvious benefits regarding convenience to shoppers. Other than a brief email from police, there were no objections to the application. Neither the local authority, health organisations, aboriginal organisations, community groups nor residents expressed opposition to the proposal. The police, when given the opportunity, did not follow up on their stated objection.

However, the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) has raised concerns over the NCAT decision.

ILGA chair Philip Crawford said there were concerns about community safety relating to the availability of alcohol in Young as a result of the decision.

“In December 2016, ILGA refused the application mainly due to Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data on alcohol-related domestic violence in Young,” Mr Crawford said. “It is disappointing that NCAT has set aside this refusal given the strong concerns about the potential impact of this liquor licence.”

Mr Crawford said ILGA was considering its options in relation to the matter, including the potential for an appeal.

“One of ILGA’s key priorities is to protect the community from alcohol-related harms,” he said. 

But an ALDI Australia spokesperson rubbished ILGA’s claims.

“ALDI is pleased to confirm we have received approval for a liquor license at Young, following strong public support from residents, we do not share the concerns expressed by the ILGA, nor did the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal in its decision,” the spokesperson said.

“The Tribunal’s decision has given increased weight to the needs of ALDI Young’s customers and as a responsible and experienced retailer, ALDI will strictly observe all regulations for the purchase of alcohol and partner with DrinkWise Australia as part of this commitment. Once operational, customers will be able to purchase a selection of Australian and international wines, beers and spirits.”