By Aimee Chanthadavong
To date, Aldi has already been granted 34 liquor licenses in NSW, giving the discount supermarket the right to sell alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, spirits and mixed drinks within its stores.
With already existing rights to sell liquor in Victoria and ACT, Aldi still awaits on approval to sell in other stores.
ALDI has applied for liquor licenses in NSW in response to consumer demand for a service that is already offered in many supermarkets. We aim to provide our customers with a convenient shopping experience by providing all their shopping needs under one roof,” Libby Hay, Aldi spokesperson, told RetailBiz.
“At the moment ALDI is focused on the liquor license application process –which is very thorough and can take some time. We anticipate selling alcohol in the approved stores sometime in 2012.”
As a result of this, NSW consumers will be able to purchase alcohol products exclusive to Aldi, such as a carton of its Storm Brewing premium light beer for $19.99, which is equivalent to 83 cents a bottle, giving rivals Coles and Woolworths a run for their money.
But, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, a number of authorities and community groups including NSW Health were concerned that the sale of the liquor at such low prices would exacerbate alcohol-related health issues.
To combat this, Aldi earlier this year became the first Australian retailer to partner with DrinkWise Australia.
“This long-term funding partnership will enable DrinkWise to continue to develop and implement national education campaigns, with supporting practical resources that inform Australians about responsible alcohol consumption,” Hays says.
“In addition, we will join the Local Liquor Accords in the areas where our NSW stores are located. Liquor Accords are voluntary industry-based partnerships working in local communities to introduce practical solutions to alcohol related problems.”