Controversial Wannanup tavern gets approval to sell take-away alcohol

Tavern owner Lo Zucchero brought the proposal to council in 2016, seeking council approval to obtain a tavern license to establish a restaurant-looking tavern with seating areas for patrons, a stand-up bar, and take-away craft beer and wine for sale.

In addition to the sell of take-away alcohol, Lo Zucchero also sought to establish a micro-brewery on site.

The issue caused a wave of concern among the canal estate residents, who feared it would affect the area’s amenity and attract anti-social behaviour.

The tavern got council approval on a tight vote on August 9, with a set of strict conditions and regulations in place to minimise the impact on nearby properties.

The motion prohibited any brewing or fermentation on site, limited the beer tanks to storage only, and prohibited the sale of packaged beer or wine for take-away.

It aimed to shed as much council control over the development as possible, and avoid the developer taking the application through the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) and getting it approved without any restrictions in place.

However, Lo Zucchero took the matter to the SAT in late 2016, seeking approval to brew alcohol on site and sell packaged beer and wine on the premises. 

Prior to the case hearing on December 6, Lo Zucchero withdrew the condition to brew alcohol on site, but kept their request to sell beer and wine at the tavern. 

The SAT invited the City of Mandurah to reconsider their opposition to the sale of packaged alcohol on site, and the City agreed to bring the matter back to council in January.

City of Mandurah councillors voted in favour of allowing Lo Zucchero to sell packaged beer and wine at the tavern, which is located less than 100 metres from a Cellarbrations liquor store.

Councillors Dave Schumacher and Tahlia Jones opposed the council’s decision.

The tavern will be able to sell beer in growlers between 10am and 9pm seven days a week, and up to three bottles of wine per customer subject to the consumption of a substantial meal at the premises once their application for a liquor license is approved.