Takeaway alcohol restrictions in Broome and Derby to begin July 1

The start date for a 12-month takeaway alcohol restrictions trial in the tourism mecca of Broome has been unveiled by the local liquor accord.

In a bid to reduce crime, alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour within the region, the Takeaway Alcohol Management System will monitor the amount of alcohol purchased by people over a 24-hour period in Broome and Derby from July 1.

Scanning technology systems will be installed at all venues that sell takeaway alcohol, with all customers requiring ID to make a purchase.

The technology will allow licensees to register how much alcohol an individual has purchased on any given day across all bottle shops within the Shire of Broome.

From July 1, an individual will be restricted to the daily purchase of the following:

Two cartons of mid-strength beer; or

One carton of full-strength beer and one carton of mid-strength beer; or

One carton of mid-strength beer and six bottles of wine; or

One carton of full-strength beer and three bottles of wine; or

One bottle of spirits and three bottles of wine; or

One bottle of spirits plus one carton of either full-strength or mid-strength beer

Attempts to buy more over a 24-hour period will result in service being refused.

Broome Liquor Accord chair and Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey said the trial would not impact those that drink alcohol responsibly.

“The misuse of alcohol across the West Kimberley is an issue that we are trying to address, with a negative knock-on impact on critical services in our communities,” he said.

“While recognising that the TAMS trial will not provide an all-encompassing solution to a complex situation, it is a step in the right direction to tackle what has become an endemic social problem.

“An interim report provided by an independent evaluator will be delivered, before the final report upon the trial’s conclusion.”

Measures have also been included to account for tourism operators, pastoralists and those requiring larger purchases for parties and events.