Liquor licence for hall

By Nathan Johnston
THE City of Greater Dandenong has given its blessing to a liquor licence at the newlook Dandenong Town Hall, provided the hall stays alcoholfree on Good Friday.
The hall renovations are nearing completion. It will incorporate the new Drum Theatre that is set to open later this year.
The liquor licence was finalised at last week’s council meeting.
The licence will allow the venue to trade from 7am to midnight, Monday to Saturday, 10am to midnight on Sunday, and noon to midnight on Anzac Day.
The council’s planning department also recommended that the licence include noon to midnight on Good Friday, but Cr Peter Brown successfully changed the recommendation.
“I think that with this council running and operating a successful commercial and community venture, we can make a statement about the values that a large number of people in our community have.
“For one day a year we can make a statement that it’s not appropriate on that particular day.
“Not that I’m an evangelistic type, but it’s important for the community to recognise one day of cultural value.”
Crs Roz Blades and Youhorn Chea wanted to take the matter back to the council’s planning staff before making a final decision, but Cr Brown was adamant a decision would be made then and there.
“We are the council. It’s our responsibility. It’s just one day in 365, and I don’t see it’s beyond this council to make the decision now, without referring it to our staff.”