Australian gov't mulls allowing alcohol to be sold on supermarket shelves

The Australian government is reportedly considering a radical change to the nation's liquor laws, which would allow customers to purchase alcohol off the supermarket shelf.

An everyday occurrence in many parts of the world, Australia - through its states - restricts the sale of alcohol to, at the very least, cordoned-off sections if sold in a supermarket.

Currently, in most Australian states, it is illegal to take alcohol through a supermarket checkout, however customers can take their shopping through the dedicated alcohol-checkout at adjoining liquor areas.

Alternatively, the consumer has to purchase the groceries before entering the liquor off-shoot.

Australia has experienced a shift towards more lax liquor laws over the past few years, but under the current government, Australia could begin a British or American style of retail, where alcohol can be bought alongside apples or anchovies.

It could be part of wider, federal reforms to competition policy, in something Treasurer Scott Morrison said could provide "enormous opportunities" for the economy. Enditem