Day spas, butchers, hairdressers and florists add alcohol to their business

Data from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation revealed that 29 butchers, 68 florists, 45 bed and breakfasts and 150 gift shops can serve alcohol.

However, it is hairdressers that is the most common business to have a liquor licence, outside of bars, hotels, restaurant and pubs. There are 102 salons that have been cleared to serve liquor to their customers while they get their hair cut.

Experts are concerned about the increasing link between alcohol and everyday services. Photo: Luis Enrique Ascui

The commission allows for minor business exemption, in which selected businesses do not need a liquor licence.
Elwood is the capital of boozy hair salons, with 11 businesses registered. Another eight are located in Moonee Valley, in Melbourne’s west, and eight more in Melbourne City Council’s zone.

Many hairdressers serve coffee and offer wine or champagne as part of their service, and in some suburbs it has become de rigueur for customers to expect such an offer.

While experts do not believe having a glass of wine along with foils will cause any direct harm, they said the increasing causal link between alcohol and everyday services was concerning.

Sam Biondo, chief executive of the Victorian Alcohol & Drug Association, said it was unfortunate that people could not get a haircut or buy flowers without being tempted by alcohol.

“What it says is they’re trying to turn alcohol into a part of the business model that helps make it appear to be a regular part of life.”

He added that the involvement of alcohol in a work environment could be a health and safety issue for staff if too much was consumed by customers.

“The cheeky part is it’s getting the pain out of the exorbitant prices they charge. But sadly, people expect it.”

At Melbourne CBD spa Miss Fox, about half of its clients indulge in a glass of champagne or a cocktail while having a treatment. Manager Victoria Fox said “there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself every now and then” and that drinks were part of what should be an indulgent experience.

“It’s all about balance. Sometimes you’re all about kale and kombucha tea, and other times it’s all vodka and doughnuts. We don’t judge. We just want people to have a lovely time,” she said.

Ms Fox said clients being able to relax and have a drink was part of the experience. “Plus, it’s a treat.”

Research published by VicHealth in 2013 reveals that alcohol was more “more culturally embedded” than previously thought and that there are very few situations in which people find drinking unacceptable.

“Drinking is expected to be part of almost all social events, but more concerning is the acceptance of excessive drinking at many of these occasions.”

Michael Thorn, chief executive of Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, said alcohol should not be treated like an everyday item, such as cereal or magazines.

“It is concerning that alcohol is increasingly being sold and promoted in a similar way to these products without due consideration to the harms that it causes, both to the drinker and to others.”

Mr Thorn added that alcohol kills 15 people and causes another 430 to be admitted to hospital every day across the country.