Restrictions on the sale of spirits at bottle shops in and around Whyalla will be lifted, following consultation with local licensees and stakeholders, including South Australia Police, the Department for Human Services and the local Council.
Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Brett Humphrey this month met with members of the Whyalla and Port Augusta Liquor Accords to discuss the effectiveness of liquor restrictions and ongoing steps in the process.
“Tackling anti-social behaviour is a complex issue that requires a coordinated response from a range of different agencies – and, from a liquor licensing perspective – restrictions on the sale of takeaway liquor are a small, but important, component of that broader effort,” he said.
“When considering what steps we can take through these restrictions, we will always endeavour to strike the right balance between protecting the community from anti-social behaviour and supporting the livelihoods of local business.”
As a result of discussions, Mr Humphrey said he had agreed to remove the restriction limiting the sale of spirits in Whyalla, while retaining the existing limits on the sale of cask wine.
“Licensees and authorities both agree that since restrictions on the sale of cask wine came into effect, there has been a significant improvement in conditions around Whyalla, with a reduction in alcohol-related offending, littering and anti-social public gatherings,” he said.
“Importantly, there were no concerns raised by authorities to removing the restrictions on spirits, which is why I have agreed to this request from licensees.”
Under the revised restrictions in Whyalla, the sale of one and two litre casks of wine will be restricted to one cask per customer per day, with the sale of four and five litre casks of wine, port and fortified wine remaining prohibited.
Following consultation with Accord Members in Port Augusta, the Commissioner has determined restrictions will continue in that city, unchanged.
To find out more about takeaway liquor restrictions, visit https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/news/liquor-restrictions-in-south-australia
