Restrictions on the sale of takeaway alcohol in Coober Pedy will be ongoing, following a decision made by the Liquor and Gambling Regulator.

The impact of the restrictions will be reviewed again in 12 months, to determine their effectiveness.

The decision means that liquor licence holders will not be able to sell takeaway liquor before midday, with sales of takeaway liquor limited to one purchase, per person, per day of the daily limits that apply.

Director of Regulation and Advice with Consumer and Business Services, Fraser Stroud, said feedback from local business groups, community groups, authorities and local health services was considered and taken into account in making the decision.

“There were a broad range of views expressed and this was not an easy decision to make,” he said.

“I appreciate that there are many in the community who feel they are being unfairly penalised by these limits.

“But at the same time, the evidence in favour of the restrictions continuing is hard to ignore.

“Frontline health and support services that provide domestic, family violence and mental health support in Coober Pedy – reported the later start to takeaway liquor sales was making a significant difference, with a number of clients able to more effectively engage in DV counselling services.

“These organisations also advise they have been able to provide more financial counselling and gambling help services as a result, and they had also observed a greater willingness of clients to engage with services before midday, helping people access the mental health services they needed.

“This indicates that services are able to provide more help to people at risk of alcohol-related harm, thanks to a later start in the sale of takeaway liquor.”

Mr Stroud said he would be consulting with licensees on an additional restriction, which would prevent them from selling takeaway liquor after 7pm.

“Licensees have until the end of July to provide their feedback on this proposed additional measure, and a decision will be made soon after,” he said.

Mr Stroud thanked all community members who participated in the consultation process.

“Locals have been very keen to engage in this, and I appreciate there are some strongly held views,” he said.

“Consumer and Business Services will continue to closely monitor the impact these ongoing restrictions are having and will reassess whether they remain appropriate to continue in 12 months’ time.”