Chocolaterie approved to sell liquor

THE Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery (GORCI) has welcomed the Surf Coast Shire council approving its application to sell liquor at the venue.

The owners of the Bellbrae business applied to the council in January to remove a section 173 agreement on the chocolaterie at 1200 Great Ocean Road that prevented the sale or consumption of liquor, alongside a separate but related application in November to allow the permit granted in 2015 to be amended to allow liquor sales and consumption and add “restaurant” to the land’s permitted uses.

The council considered both matters at its meeting last week and resolved to approve both requests, despite attempts by some councillors to have both matters deferred to this month’s meeting.

Under the terms of the amended permit, the sale and consumption of liquor will only be allowed between the hours of 9am-5pm each day, and seating must be provided for at least 75 per cent of patrons present within the restaurant at any one time.

There were 12 objections to the amendment to the planning permit during the public exhibition process, on grounds including it was an unintended/unwanted change in nature of business and the impacts on amenity.

On Monday this week, GORCI co-owners Ian and Leanne Neeland said they believed offering a selection of local wine, beer and other refreshments would only enhance the experience at the chocolaterie and draw more visitors to the region.

“It will in no way impact on the ‘family attraction’ that is loved by so many locals and will help us secure a more sustainable future for GORCI,” they said.

“As always, one of our main goals is to protect the jobs for our local team of more than 90 staff and increase this number as our business grows.

“Due to the recent significant economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic as evidenced by our annual visitor numbers and sales in 2020, we are seeking ways in which we can attract visitors to the chocolaterie, to increase return per visitor and maintain economic viability, given that less visitors are likely due to the ongoing spatial restrictions.”

The Neelands said the extent of the licensed area was minimal and was contained within the existing building envelope.

At the meeting, a vote to defer the removal of the section 173 agreement so the council could receive further legal advice was defeated four votes to five, and a vote to defer the amendment was defeated two votes to six.

Cr Gary Allen then successfully moved the original motion, which was carried seven votes to one.

“It’s a sensible approach to the consumption of alcohol in a very controlled and very pleasant setting, and I think as a country we have to mature our attitudes towards alcohol consumption,” Cr Allen said.

“Most of the fears of residents are potential fears which can be dealt with effectively by future councils.”