Cask wine restrictions trial to continue over Summer

Trial restrictions on the sale of cask wine in Whyalla are set to continue over Summer, following a meeting of the Whyalla Liquor Accord earlier this month.

The meeting, convened by Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Brett Humphrey, considered the effectiveness of the trial – which prevented the sale of four and five litre casks of wine, along with any port or fortified wine casks –and options moving forward.

The Whyalla City Council said that while preliminary indications had been positive, there was a consensus that more data was needed to see if there was a consistent decrease in anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related harm in the region.

During the Accord, South Australia Police based in Whyalla shared that since the restrictions have been in place, there has been a significant decrease in disturbances and an immediate downturn in expiations.

“The imposition of restrictions on the sale of takeaway liquor is just one lever that can be used to combat alcohol-related harm and anti-social behaviour,” Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Brett Humphrey said.

“This month’s Accord meeting provided us with a constructive opportunity to consider the impact of restrictions to date.

“It was agreed the trial restrictions would be extended until the end of April next year, to give us a full year’s worth of data to consider before arriving at a longer-term decision.”

Mr Humphrey praised the commitment of licensees and authorities to work together to find solutions to the ongoing impacts of alcohol-related harm and anti-social behaviour.

“These are complex issues, that require a range of perspectives,” he said.

“Having all the key players – including representatives of the Department of Human Services, South Australia Police, the Whyalla City Council, the Australian Hotels Association SA and licensees – ready to work together to develop constructive, common-sense solutions relating to the sale of liquor in the region is essential.

“I intend to convene a further Liquor Accord meeting before the end of April to discuss the next steps and the further evidence that’s been gathered.”

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

For more information, visit www.cbs.sa.gov.au/news/liquor-restrictions-in-south-australia.