Airport alcohol ban slashes bottom line

The Karratha Airport has been losing more than $2500 a day since a ban on the sale of full-strength beers and spirits at the airport’s bar came into effect, council documents have revealed.

Minutes from the Roebourne Shire’s ordinary council meeting this month reveal the move has cost about $500,000 in lost sales.

In the six months since the removal of full-strength beers and spirits at the Tien Tsin Inne bar, revenue from alcohol sales has more than halved, plummeting from approximately $950,000 in the six months before the ban to almost $450,000 in the six months since alcohol sales were restricted. The drop represents an average daily loss of $2719.

The ban, which was decided by the Roebourne Shire, police and major mining companies, began as a trial in November last year after complaints of anti-social behaviour at the airport.

At the time, Roebourne Shire president Nicole Lockwood said the safety of staff at the bar and patrons on flights was paramount and anti-social behaviour at the airport was mainly attributed to alcohol.

“The number of patrons who are drinking heavily, arriving at the airport intoxicated or are causing disruption to staff and other passengers has been steadily increasing,” she said.

“An overwhelming majority of councillors decided that by limiting the sale of alcohol, this behaviour will be reduced.”

The opening time of the airport bar was also changed to 11.30am.

Despite the loss of income, the shire agreed at its last council meeting to make the ban permanent, Ms Lockwood said.

“This decision demonstrates council’s ongoing commitment to reducing antisocial behaviour throughout our shire,” she said.

However, Ms Lockwood said council had adopted an earlier start time for the sale of alcohol at the airport in response to input from visitors to the airport.

“Alcohol will now go on sale each day at 10.30am. The decision took into consideration the fact that full-strength beer and spirits are no longer for sale at the TTI,” she said.

The shire also believes the adverse impact of the trial has resulted in increases in illegal drinking and littering of alcohol bottles in the car park.

Karratha police have backed the ban on full-strength beer and spirits at the airport bar, acting Sen. Sgt Rick Bond said.

“Any sort of reduction in alcohol consumption is always welcomed,” he said.