Police push for limit on takeaway grog sales

Police are calling for new limits on takeaway alcohol sales at the remote Northern Territory town of Borroloola in a bid to tackle shocking rates of suicide and domestic violence.

The Licensing Commission is about to begin two days of hearings into two local liquor outlets at Borroloola, about 950 kilometres south-east of Darwin.

Police want a blanket sales cap of 12 cans of mid-strength beer or six cans of spirit mixes per person per day at the Malandari Store and the Heartbreak Hotel.

They have also proposed two takeaway-alcohol-free days a month to coincide with CDEP payment days

Police figures show that in 2011 and 2012 there were 45 suicide attempts in the region, 28 of them directly involving alcohol.

Six of those people died.

The youngest self-harm attempt involved a 14-year-old child.

During the same two years, almost 90 per cent of personal violence offences in the region were grog-related, police say.

They argue that the proposed changes would reduce alcohol-fuelled incidents in the area.

Acting Commander Michael White says alcohol problems are devastating the community.

"We are looking at similar terms that have been in place for years in Tennant Creek," he said.

"Alcohol-free days, takeaway sales restricted ... just to give everyone some respite and allow for family to get on with their lives without alcohol being involved."

He says restrictions would only apply to Borroloola residents, and tourists would not be affected.

"Our aim is to protect the community of Borroloola from alcohol-fuelled violence and harm," he said.

"Studies across the world have shown that supply reduction is a huge factor in preventing harm."

Source: ABC News, 21 May 2013