Liquor bans announced for two Kimberley communities, Waldron
Author: Terry Waldron
Published on: 04-April-2011
The Aboriginal communities of Looma and Pandanus Park in the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley will be declared restricted areas under section 175 of the Liquor Control Act 1988.
Racing and Wagering Minister Terry Waldron said with the publication of the regulations in coming weeks, it will be an offence to sell/supply, possess or bring liquor into the communities.
“Members of both communities wrote to me asking for the introduction of regulations under section 175 of the Act to prohibit alcohol in these communities,” Mr Waldron said.
“The community representatives said they considered these restrictions the most effective way of reducing the amount of alcohol-related harm and ill-health in the community.”
The Minister visited the communities this week and said it was clear the bans had widespread support in the communities.
“Community representatives made it very clear to me they considered these bans the best circuit breaker to stop the cycle of alcohol abuse and community harm,” he said.
“Liquor licensees breaching the restrictions would be liable for a $5,000 fine, while all other people in breach of the restrictions would face a $2,000 fine.”
The restrictions give police the power to seize and dispose of opened or unopened liquor containers throughout the community.
The proposal to make the communities restricted areas was supported by WA Police and the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley.
