Publican calls for end to NT grog restrictions
The licensee of a pub that has been banned from selling takeaway alcohol in the morning has called for the Federal Government to lift drinking restrictions in remote Northern Territory communities.
The Territory Licensing Commission has ruled the Larrimah Wayside Inn on the Stuart Highway, about 160 kilometres south of Katherine, cannot sell takeaway alcohol outside the hours of 2.00pm to 8.00 pm each day.
It made the ruling after hearing submissions that Indigenous people have been driving up to 100 kilometres to buy early morning beer, contributing to an "all-day drinking culture".
Police say drink-driving numbers have spiked in the region in the last 18 months, with community members drinking on their return journeys after buying alcohol at Larrimah.
Similar takeaway restrictions have existed at Katherine and Mataranka for several years.
A government report found "heavy" beer sales had trebled at the Larrimah Wayside Inn after the restrictions were introduced in those towns.
Larrimah licensee Barry Sharpe says the dry restrictions in communities are creating issues.
"You have to have have social clubs (serving alcohol) on communities," he said.
"People on those communities must be taught how to drink responsibly, because they are going to do it anyway."
He says restricting takeaway sales won't help the alcohol abuse problem.
A group from Jilkmingan community, with the support of police and health services, requested the licensing change at Larrimah.
Source: ABC News, 27 July 2012
