A trial of restrictions prohibiting the sale of spirits, fortified wine and cask wine before midday in the Ceduna region has not been extended.

The trial, which commenced in April, was proposed by the licensee of the community-owned Ceduna Foreshore Hotel as a way to address anti-social behaviour and alcohol related harm in the community.

An evaluation of the trial by the Liquor Licensing Authority, which sits within Consumer and Business Services, found that while local police had noticed a positive difference in the mornings as a result of less intoxication, there was no noticeable reduction in alcohol-related harm.

Liquor licence holders have agreed not to sell liquor before ten o’clock in the morning – in an effort to help authorities and support services conduct proactive, diversionary work in the township.

Other restrictions – limiting the purchase of takeaway liquor to one transaction a day, with limits applying to the amount of cask wine, spirits or fortified wine that can be sold in one transaction – will remain in place.

Consumer and Business Services will continue to work with licensees, police and stakeholders to monitor the impact of the shift in opening hours.