Grand final weekend liquor restriction criticism

A Pilbara local government has been criticised over upcoming liquor restrictions in the region.

A restriction notice, under the City of Karratha Liquor Accord banner, was circulated online yesterday dated for October 2 and 3.

Takeaway sales will be restricted to drinks with an alcohol volume of 4.9 per cent as well as a limit of one 2L wine cask and one carton of beer per customer or car.

No glass or stubbies will be sold during this period at three affected licensed venues near Wickham, Point Samson, and Roebourne.

Social media users assumed the restrictions would mean a blanket ban across the region, but police say Karratha will not be included.

Pilbara Liquor Enforcement Unit Sergeant Kim Briggs said they were expecting a large influx of “people from out of town” attending a series of events in Roebourne.

“We’ll be under the pump enough if it ends up being a derby for the AFL grand final weekend,” he said.

“This initiative was an act of good faith to the people of Wickham, Roebourne, and Point Samson, to allow them to pre-plan for that weekend, there was never meant to be any detrimental effect to the community in that we’re just trying to reduce harm for the consumption of alcohol for that weekend.

“There’s no need to be alarmist… liquor restrictions are an age old practice that’s been going on for ten or 15 years.”

He said the City of Karratha Liquor Accord was a geographic reference and was not run by the local government.

City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said the accord was a partnership between local licensees and regulators working together to develop strategies that foster a responsible drinking culture within the City.

“While the City is represented on the Accord, actions are imposed voluntarily by licensees and regulators, not the City of Karratha,” he said.