Mr ADAMSON - 1995-08-17
Will the minister advise the House on the level of community support for alcohol restriction trials in Tennant Creek?
Page 731
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, following the Liquor Commissions fairly extensive inquiries and discussions with the broad Tennant Creek community, a considerable level of agreement has been reached on the commissions decisions about alcohol restriction trials which commence today. Obviously, some people do not accept the restrictions totally but I think there is acceptance now that at least they should be trialled, monitored and given a fair go. I suspect that even those who have opposed some of the decisions are prepared at least to give them a chance. We hope that their implementation by the Liquor Commission has some positive effect. Undoubtedly, there is not a soul in Tennant Creek or elsewhere who does not recognise that some of the problems are totally unacceptable, and that it is worth pursuing some practical and rational ways of minimising harm.
I will detail some of the restrictions. From today, front bars and takeaways will be closed on Thursdays for the next 3 months. From then on, front bars and takeaways will be open only from 3 pm to 9 pm on Thursdays. Trading hours from Fridays through to Wednesdays will remain exactly as they are now..
Mr Coulter: However, there will be light beers only in the front bars.
Mr FINCH: Light beers only will be sold in the front bars. That is a part of the arrangements, and has effect between certain hours.
The sale of 2 L casks of riesling and moselle is to be prohibited, and there will be some restrictions on sale volumes - for example, limiting sales to a single 1 L container per person per day. The plan has some other components. In implementing these, particular attention has been paid to ensuring that the filling of bush orders and other such arrangements continue to be accommodated.
The important aspect will be the monitoring of the system. That will be provided by a liquor inspector who will be based in Tennant Creek specifically for the duration of the trial. Also, the Menzies School of Health Research and the Living With Alcohol program will conduct a scientific and technical evaluation of the outcomes. They will work hand in hand with the licensees and the community to ensure that that evaluation is done reasonably but, most importantly, comprehensively and openly. If adjustments are required, even during the trial period, they can be made.
Page 732
Page 731
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, following the Liquor Commissions fairly extensive inquiries and discussions with the broad Tennant Creek community, a considerable level of agreement has been reached on the commissions decisions about alcohol restriction trials which commence today. Obviously, some people do not accept the restrictions totally but I think there is acceptance now that at least they should be trialled, monitored and given a fair go. I suspect that even those who have opposed some of the decisions are prepared at least to give them a chance. We hope that their implementation by the Liquor Commission has some positive effect. Undoubtedly, there is not a soul in Tennant Creek or elsewhere who does not recognise that some of the problems are totally unacceptable, and that it is worth pursuing some practical and rational ways of minimising harm.
I will detail some of the restrictions. From today, front bars and takeaways will be closed on Thursdays for the next 3 months. From then on, front bars and takeaways will be open only from 3 pm to 9 pm on Thursdays. Trading hours from Fridays through to Wednesdays will remain exactly as they are now..
Mr Coulter: However, there will be light beers only in the front bars.
Mr FINCH: Light beers only will be sold in the front bars. That is a part of the arrangements, and has effect between certain hours.
The sale of 2 L casks of riesling and moselle is to be prohibited, and there will be some restrictions on sale volumes - for example, limiting sales to a single 1 L container per person per day. The plan has some other components. In implementing these, particular attention has been paid to ensuring that the filling of bush orders and other such arrangements continue to be accommodated.
The important aspect will be the monitoring of the system. That will be provided by a liquor inspector who will be based in Tennant Creek specifically for the duration of the trial. Also, the Menzies School of Health Research and the Living With Alcohol program will conduct a scientific and technical evaluation of the outcomes. They will work hand in hand with the licensees and the community to ensure that that evaluation is done reasonably but, most importantly, comprehensively and openly. If adjustments are required, even during the trial period, they can be made.
Page 732
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016