The Liquor Stores Association of WA is urging authorities to invest in more targeted wrap around services in Derby and Broome following the implementation of new restrictions in the West Kimberley under a section 64 application of the Liquor Control Act.
After a show cause notice was imposed on licensees in Broome and Derby earlier this year, the Director of Liquor Licensing, Lanie Chopping has outlined the submissions, her determination and conclusion for the new restrictions in each town.
They include fewer trading days for Derby: Tuesday to Saturday between the hours of 12pm -7pm while in Broome licensees will be able to trade seven days a week, between the hours of 12pm – 8pm.
The restrictions also include a reduction on the volume of alcohol that can be sold per day, which include:
• 11.25 litres of beer, cider, or pre-mixed spirits (e.g., one carton or a combination of each kind of liquor up to 11.25 litres) where the alcohol content does not exceed 6%; or
• 3.75 litres of beer, cider or pre-mix spirts (or a combination of each kind up to 3.75%) where the alcohol content exceeds 6% or
• up to 1.5 litres of wine (e.g., two 750mL bottles or one 1.5L cask); or
• one litre of spirits; or
• one litre of fortified wine; or
• a combination of:
• 5.6 litres of beer, cider, or pre-mixed spirits (e.g., half a carton or a
• combination of each kind of liquor up to 5.6 litres) where the alcohol
• content does not exceed 6%; or
• 1.87 litres of beer, cider or pre-mix spirts (or a combination of each kind
• up to 1.87 litres) where the alcohol content exceeds 6%; and
• 1.5 litres of wine (e.g., two bottles or 1.5 litre cask).
The LSA WA is encouraged that Ms Chopping has acknowledged the level of wrap around services in the region is not sufficient for the current or projected need for drugs and alcohol services.
Association CEO Peter Peck congratulated Ms Chopping on highlighting this element in a bid to help people rehabilitate and improve harm minimisation measures in the community.
“While small business will be affected by fewer trading days and hours a result of these restrictions, we look forward to a greater injection of wrap around services to combat the destructive behaviour and target the people in need of help” Mr Peck said.
“We also look forward to a greater focus on prosecuting sly groggers who may look to capitalise on the restrictions in Derby” he added.
Mr Peck said it was also imperative that police and other stakeholders developed contingency plans in the event problem drinkers took their destructive behaviour to nearby tourism towns.
Listen to the LSA WA CEO Peter Peck’s interview on radio 6PR.