An increase in anti-social behaviour and alcohol related harm in Ceduna has prompted a three-month trial of stricter restrictions on the sale of takeaway liquor in Ceduna and surrounding areas, starting next week.
Liquor sales are currently restricted to one purchase per customer per day, with limits applying to the amount of cask wine, spirits or fortified wine that can be purchased in one transaction.
Under the trial – which starts on Monday, April 22 – customers will be unable to purchase takeaway cask wine, spirits or fortified wine before noon.
The proposed changes would apply to the Ceduna Foreshore Hotel, Smoky Bay General Store, Thevenard Hotel, Penong Hotel and Nundroo Roadhouse.
“This measure has been proposed by a local licensee, and I’m pleased to see licensees working collaboratively with authorities on these issues,” acting liquor and gambling commissioner Fraser Stroud said.
“This trial seeks to strike a balance between reducing alcohol harm in the region and minimising the impact on tourists and local residents in that they can still purchase takeaway liquor items such as beer and wine before midday.
“By delaying the availability of high alcohol concentration items by three hours, we’re seeking to help frontline alcohol services and harm minimisation programs, as well as assist police and emergency services in responding to alcohol related incidents and harm.”
Mr Stroud said these additional measures could not resolve issues of demand, but may be effective in tackling supply, “which can have flow-on positive effects”.
Ceduna mayor Ken Maynard was in favour of the stronger restrictions.
“Anything put in place to curtail alcohol abuse is welcome,” he said.
“I congratulate the Ceduna Foreshore Hotel for bringing forward this initiative.
“Time will tell if there is a benefit, but anything is worth a trial – we’ll see in the three months if it is successful. I am confident it will help.”
Federal Grey MP Rowan Ramsey hoped it would make a difference.
“Let’s hope it makes a difference, but it is clear this measure is a penalty on the whole community to address the sins of a minority and the people of Ceduna can reflect on the fact that we would not be in this position now if the federal government had not scrapped the measures that were working,” he said.
“I am sure the majority in Ceduna will ‘suck up’ the new restrictions and we will all hope it makes a difference, but we simply should not be in this space.”
Mr Stroud said feedback and relevant data would be sought before the end of the three-month trial, to see if it had made an impact.
“This will include advice from local licensees and a number of key stakeholders,” he said.
“If the feedback and evidence suggests the trial has had a positive impact, consideration will be given to the next steps forward in consultation with those key stakeholders.”
