Trial restrictions on the sale of four litre casks, five litre casks and all fortified wine and port casks are set to come into place from the middle of this month.

The move was considered recently by the Whyalla Liquor Accord, which involves local liquor licensees, South Australia Police, liquor and gambling regulator Consumer and Business Services and the Whyalla City Council.

Commissioner for Liquor and Gambling Brett Humphrey said the decision to halt the sale of four and five litre casks, along with fortified wine and port casks, would be trialled over three months to see if it has an impact on anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related harm in Whyalla and surrounding areas.

“Anti-social behaviour and alcohol related harm are a whole of community problem, and the action we can take from a liquor licensing perspective is limited – but it can make a difference,” he said.

“Every community is different, and measures that work in some regions don’t necessarily work well in others.

“Trialling these changes for three months, will help us get an indication of whether limiting the sale of cask wine has an impact on the issues confronting Whyalla.”

Mr Humphrey said Consumer and Business Services would review data from licensees and authorities over the coming months to determine the next steps.

The trial begins on 14 April and is set to end on 18 July. Details are available at https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/news/liquor-restrictions-in-south-australia