Other states and territories allow alcohol to be purchased under the same roof of a supermarket.

There are good arguments for and against liquor to be sold within the external confines of a supermarket.

The big chains have long eyed the prospect. They also wanted a license to operate pharmacies in supermarkets. However, just as hoteliers have bucked the liquor bid, so have pharmacists actively opposed losing their market share.

Granting supermarkets a liquor licence is a market-based decision, unless it can be shown that this would lead to undesirable outcomes such as alcoholism and underage sales.

For many years Tasmania agonised over weekend retail trading by large stores. There were many passionate debates and angry street marches.

Supermarkets sell everything from hot and cold food to clothing, gardening supplies and tobacco products. The one thing they can't sell at the same venue is alcohol, in case it seriously damaged bottle shop sales in the hotel industry.

Perhaps the onus is on supermarket chains to make their case.

JACQUI LAMBIE

THE Tasmanian Palmer United Party Senator has probably increased her support since last year's election, through a no-nonsense approach to public issues.

The big danger for her is the same path to irrelevancy that snared Pauline Hanson, mainly through ignorance of basic facts. Senators have exclusive access to one of the best (parliamentary) libraries in Australia, but Senator Lambie doesn't seem very interested in homework.

Islam's Sharia law does not automatically equate to extremism. The burqa is Islamic apparel - no different to the robes and other garb worn by clergy in Western, orthodox churches. If the burqa symbolises oppression of women then it is for us to comment on if we wish, but not to ban.

Religious and cultural freedom is freedom from persecution and interference by other religions and cultures.