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, which will begin later this month.

At present, liquor sales are 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 begins 22 April 2024, customers will be unable to purchase takeaway cask wine, spirits or fortified wine before midday.

“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 3 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.

“These additional measures cannot resolve issues of demand, but may be effective in tackling supply which can have flow-on positive effects.”

The proposed changes would apply to the Ceduna Foreshore Hotel, Smoky Bay General Store, Thevenard Hotel, Penong Hotel and Nundroo Roadhouse.

Mr Stroud said feedback and relevant data would be sought before the end of the three-month trial, to see if it has 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.”

At present, the sale of takeaway liquor is restricted to one transaction per customer per day, within purchases of prescribed items limited to:

• one 2L cask wine (non-fortified) OR
• two bottles of spirits (not exceeding 750ml) OR
• one bottle of fortified wine/port (not exceeding 750ml).

The three month trial will begin on April 22.