Rigters Supermarket Group leaves liquor accord in order to offer increased trading hours

The Rigters Supermarket Group has stepped off the Geraldton Liquor Accord in order to extend the hours in which it can trade alcohol. The Geraldton Liquor Accord is a voluntary agreement between licensed premises, WA police and local government authorities that exceed the standards required of venues and licensees by the Liquor Control Act. Each accord is different to target community-specific issues with Geraldton’s including an agreement on when alcohol can be sold. Rigters IGA has voluntarily left the group as it looks to offer the sale of alcohol from 9am — an hour earlier than the accord allowed. Rigters general manager Kyme Rigter made the decision in order to compete with other liquor outlets. “Our sites are not changing anything in regard to the way alcohol is sold, simply opening an hour earlier,” he said. “Retail overall has been everchanging — especially through the last few years, so ((I) wouldn’t like to say that anything is permanent. “We are simply matching the trading hours of other licensed premises in the Mid West and would foresee that we would continue to do this in the future.” While he couldn’t comment on whether he believed other businesses would follow suit, Mr Rigter said the group remained committed to other accord initiatives. “I have been informed that the Geraldton Police and liquor accord members are understanding of our decision and would like to continue to keep us involved with the accord and other liquor-related matters,” he said. “We have also confirmed that we will still be invited to future accord meetings. “From the start we have made it clear that we were still happy to be a part and work with both groups and continue to support all initiatives — but would be adjusting our opening times.”