Broome to impose crackdown on booze buys with limits enforced from July

Liquor purchases in Broome will be monitored electronically and people wanting to bulk-buy for parties will have to apply for permission three days ahead of time when voluntary restrictions begin in the town in July.

The crackdown imposed under the Broome Liquor Accord, made up of community and industry representatives, limits sales to one carton of beer and three bottles of wine or one bottle of spirits per person per day.

The restrictions, to be tested for 12 months, would mirror those in Derby and Kununurra. Fitzroy Crossing has a complete ban on takeaway alcohol and only low-strength alcohol can be bought in Halls Creek.

Although the move came just a week after Coroner Ros Fogliani called for stricter regulations across the region as part of her findings into the suicide of 13 Kimberley Aboriginal youths, negotiations regarding alcohol management have been held over the past 12 months.

Broome Shire president Harold Tracey said it was heartening those involved in the accord were on the same page.

“We are moving forward with these restrictions and are expecting to finalise them by next month and introduce them in July,” he said. “There is still some work that needs to be done but it is very positive to be working together.

“The coroner’s report has not told us anything new and the recommendations did not trigger a response, as these discussions have been ongoing for the past year.”

Mr Tracey said the restrictions would not have a negative effect on tourism. “I am happy to debate with anyone that the risk antisocial behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence poses to tourism far outweighs the risk of limiting the amount of takeaway alcohol visitors can purchase,” he said.

Shoppers will need to scan their identification to prevent people buying liquor from multiple stores.