Shire, police OK with pool hall

THE Bass Coast Shire Council is set to give its approval for the setting up of a pool hall, diner and entertainment facility in Watt Street Wonthaggi, operating out of the old Bi-Lo Supermarket despite receiving 10 objections.

The sale and consumption of liquor is expected to be allowed between 11am and 11pm (Sunday to Thursday) and 11am to 1am (Friday and Saturday).

However while the applicant was seeking a the condition that a maximum of 400 patrons be allowed, council is likely to limit numbers to 300.

The council has reported that the Wonthaggi Police offered no objection to the proposal but indicated that they would utilise the Victorian Commission for

Gambling and Liquor Regulation notice provisions to discuss the application with the VCGLR.

The council seems inclined to grant the application:

“State planning policy supports providing communities access to a wide range of goods and services and providing local employment opportunities that support local economies.

“Planning is directed to ensure suitable controls are in place to control amenity impacts on sensitive land uses.

“The provision of the consumption of alcohol in an already established commercial centre is considered to be consistent with the Wonthaggi Structure Plan (2018) as the proposal will allow for the provision of alcohol at a food and drink premises. This will introduce variety to the existing commercial uses in the area.”