Trial restrictions on the sale of cask wine in Whyalla are set to continue until the end of October, with preliminary results indicating the move has had an impact on alcohol related harm in the city.

The restrictions – barring the sale of four and five litre casks of wine and the sale of all fortified wine casks – came into effect in mid-April, after consultation involving the Whyalla Liquor Accord, which includes local licensees, Police, Consumer and Business Services and the Whyalla City Council.

Since the trial came into effect, SAPOL has reported a significant decrease in cases of public intoxication, and victim reported crime

In addition, the Whyalla City Council has said that, anecdotally, there has been a positive response from the community, with reports that the restrictions had helped improved public safety around the city, especially around the local shopping centre.

“While it’s early days, it has been encouraging to see an immediate response to the implementation of these restrictions,” Commissioner for Liquor and Gambling Brett Humphrey said.

“We have chosen to extend the trial to see if these trends continue and will be carefully monitoring the impact over the coming months.

“I will meet with licensees and other members of the Liquor Accord before the extended trial concludes to discuss the ongoing impact and seek their views as to what may happen as we enter summer.”

The cask wine restrictions are in addition to ongoing restrictions, limiting customers to the purchase of one cask of wine or two bottles of spirits or one cask of wine and one bottle of spirits per day.

For more information on liquor restrictions around the state, visit https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/news/liquor-restrictions-in-south-australia