New community-based alcohol purchasing limits for takeaway alcohol are set to be trialled on the Gove Peninsula, the Northern Territory has announced.
Chief Minister and Minister for Alcohol Policy, Natasha Fyles said the local Gove Peninsula Harmony Group would conduct the trial from October until March next year.
The trial will see new purchasing limits applied for takeaway alcohol in an effort to combat secondary supply and rising rates of alcohol related crime and domestic and family violence.
“Locally based alcohol decisions are the best decisions,” the Chief Minister said.
“The Gove Peninsula Harmony Group is an example of how communities and government can work together to get the outcome the community wants.
“The primary objective of these changes is to enhance community safety and combat secondary supply of alcohol, where alcohol purchased legally is distributed to those without permits.”
During the six-month trial, the existing six-level permit system will be replaced by a new four-tier system to better align with local aspirations for stronger and healthier communities across the Gove Peninsula
The trial imposes daily limits on the amount of alcohol that can be purchased by permit holders, varying by tier and location within the Gove Peninsula. People with a current liquor permit will not have to reapply. Current unrestricted permit holders will migrate to the new top tier, the Government said in a statement.
The trial is a response to the request of the Gove Peninsula Harmony Group, comprised of community leaders, key organisations and Traditional Owners.
“We are supportive of better local alcohol management as we have seen the damages alcohol causes too often,” said Gumatj leader, Djawa Yunupingu.
“We want to take a step forward in building a more tolerant community and create social changes.
“We are taking actions to build a better future for this region and we hope all community members understand the role they have to play in this challenging enterprise.”
